Related Experiment Videos
Leukemic cell intracellular responses to nanosecond electric fields.
Nianyong Chen1, Karl H Schoenbach, Juergen F Kolb
1Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA. n_ychen@hotmail.com
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|April 6, 2004
Summary
Ultrashort pulsed electric fields (PEFs) preferentially target cell nuclei, not the plasma membrane, with minimal impact on cell viability. This technology offers potential for therapeutic modulation of nuclear structure and function.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
- Electrobiology
Background:
- Pulsed electric fields (PEFs) influence intracellular structures.
- Shorter pulse durations enhance subcellular effects while reducing plasma membrane impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high-voltage, nanosecond (ns) PEFs on cellular and nuclear integrity.
- To determine the impact of pulse duration on PEF-induced cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Application of 60 ns and 10 ns PEFs (up to 6.5 MV/m) to HL-60 cells.
- Confocal microscopy used to measure plasma membrane and nuclear integrity with propidium iodide (PI) and acridine orange (AO).
Main Results:
- High-voltage, nsPEFs primarily target the nucleus, altering cellular functions.
- Plasma membrane effects were diminished and delayed with shorter pulse durations.
- Cell viability remained unaffected, and thermal effects were negligible due to ultrashort pulse duration.
Conclusions:
- Ultrashort PEFs offer a method to modulate nuclear structure and function.
- This technology holds potential for therapeutic applications targeting nuclear processes.