Change in the absorption spectra of blood exposed to a low-frequency magnetic field

Abstract  We have used the absorption spectra of whole blood in the UV-visible and IR regions of the spectrum to study changes in the structure of the molecular components of blood when exposed to a low-frequency pulsed magnetic field used to treat ischemic heart disease. We show that pronounced changes in the spectra when the blood is directly exposed in vivo to a magnetic field may be due to breaking of the bond between the heme group and the protein of the hemoglobin, as a consequence of changes in the intermolecular interactions in the polypeptide chains of the hemoglobin and also the spin states of the paramagnetic heme components. Exposure to a magnetic field results in changes in the conformations of the polypeptide chains of hemoglobin and the rate of dissociation of oxyhemoglobin. The structural changes in the hemoglobin molecule are considered as one of the possible primary mechanisms of action on blood in vivo for a low-frequency pulsed magnetic field.