DNA synthesis in cartilage cells is stimulated by oscillating electric fields.
External oscillating electric fields (1166 volts per centimeter, 5 hertz) enhanced the incorporation of [3H] thymidine into the DNA of chondrocytes isolated from the proliferative layer of embryonic (16 days) chick epiphysis. Verapamil or tetrodotoxin at 10(-6)M concentrations completely blocked the electric field effect. Tetracaine reduced the incorporation of [3H] thymidine in both control and electrically stimulated cells. The findings support the hypothesis that Na and Ca2 fluxes generated by the electrical perturbation trigger DNA synthesis in these cells.
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004560:Electricity; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000494:pharmacology; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology
D013779:Tetrodotoxin; D004247:DNA; D012964:Sodium; D014700:Verapamil; D002118:Calcium