Physiological electrical fields modify cell behaviour.
Steady direct current (dc) electric fields exist in many biological systems over many hours. At these times cells are dividing, differentiating, moving to final locations and extending motile processes. Each of these events may be influenced by physiological electric fields in tissue culture and when electric fields are disrupted in vivo, major developmental abnormalities arise. The likelihood of physiological electric fields playing a role in cell behaviours and some potential mechanisms are outlined.
McCaig
C D
CD
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Aberdeen. c.mccaig@abdn.ac.uk
Zhao
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans