Finite element modeling of cellular responses of gap junction connected osteocytes under extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields

Bone cells have been known to sense extremely weak magnetic fields with very small potential gradients. Several interaction mechanisms have been proposed, in order to explain this phenomenon, but, none of them have yet been able to explain this satisfactorily. A simple arrangement of osteocytes, connected by gap junctions via their processes have been modeled, under the influence of a weak electromagnetic field. The effect of varying the gap junctional conductance has been considered in this model (which corresponds to the degree to which the gap junctions are open, or closed). A finite element solver (FEMLAB) that considers the conductivity and permittivity of the membranes, intra and extracellular fluid, and the gap junctions has been used. A significant difference in the current density distribution and magnitude is observed for a large change in gap junctional conductance.