Influence of an external electric field on cAMP wave patterns in aggregating Dictyostelium discoideum

Effects of an external electric field on the propagation of excitable cyclic adenosin monophosphate (cAMP) pulses in aggregating cells of Dictyostelium discoideum have been studied by means of numerical simulations. The mathematical model includes a three-variable version of the Martiel-Goldbeter kinetic model of cAMP production by cells, and diffusion and electromigration of cAMP through intercellular space. Electric field effects on the planar pulses propagating in a spatially one-dimensional system and on circular and spiral pulses propagating in a spatially two-dimensional system include changes in the propagation velocities of pulses initiated in the field-free system, the annihilation of pulses propagating towards the cathode by electric fields of high intensities, and the formation of region(s) of spontaneous excitation permanently generating trains of cAMP pulses. The spiral patterns were found to drift in the electric fields of low intensities, fields of high intensities were found to decompose the spiral arms on the side facing the negative electrode.