Cardiac responses of pike (Esox lucius L.) embryos and larvae to constant magnetic field

Abstract

Effects of constant magnetic field on cardiac rhythms of pike (Esox lucius L.) embryos and larvae were monitored. The heart rate of both the embryos and larvae became highly significantly increased following application of magnetic field (50 mT). In embryos, the increase occurred immediately after the magnetic field was applied, the effect in larvae being preceded by a slow-down phase. The mechanism of magnetic field effects, acting through changes in the actual intensity of the field, on neural structures (cardiac automation centre, brain) which trigger and control the rhythmic cardiac contractions, is discussed.