Related Experiment Videos
Endogenous electric fields in embryos during development, regeneration and wound healing
1RPN Research, 144 Carroll St., New Britain, CT 06053, USA. rlnuccitelli@rpnresearch.com
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|December 24, 2003
Summary
Embryos generate internal electric fields crucial for development. Direct measurements in chick, axolotl, and frog embryos reveal fields important for tail formation, neurulation, and asymmetry, suggesting limits on external electric field exposure.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Bioelectricity
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Embryos generate endogenous ionic currents, creating internal electric fields.
- These bioelectric fields play significant roles in embryonic development and tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss direct measurements of embryonic electric fields.
- To highlight the functional importance of these fields in developmental processes.
- To provide context for safe exposure limits to external electric fields.
Main Methods:
- Direct measurement of electric fields in chick, axolotl, frog, and mammalian wound models.
- Analysis of developmental outcomes following manipulation of electric field magnitudes.
Main Results:
- Chick embryos exhibit fields of ~20 mV mm(-1) near the posterior intestinal portal, essential for tail development.
- Axolotl embryos show similar rostral-caudal fields, with modifications during neurulation causing abnormalities.
- Frog and chick embryos require early voltage differences across the primitive streak (~10-20 mV mm(-1)) for left-right asymmetry.
- Mammalian skin and corneal wounds generate significant lateral electric fields (150 mV mm(-1) and 40 mV mm(-1), respectively).
Conclusions:
- Embryonic electric fields are integral to normal development, influencing tail formation, neurulation, and asymmetry.
- Measured endogenous electric fields in embryos and wounds suggest external field exposure should be limited to <0.1 V m(-1).