Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Measuring the Induced Membrane Voltage with Di-8-ANEPPS
Published on: November 19, 2009
Supramembrane potential-induced electroconformational changes in sodium channel proteins: a potential mechanism
Wei Chen1, Zhang Zhongsheng, Raphael C Lee
1Department of Physics, The University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA. wchen@cas.usf.edu
Abstract:
Effects of imposed large supraphysiological transmembrane potential (TP) pulses on channel proteins, particularly on the voltage-gated Na channels, were investigated. Voltage clamp techniques were used to deliver both shock and stimulation pulses, and to monitor changes in the channel functions. Our experimental results indicated that more than one 4 ms duration TP shock of -450 mV resulted in electroconformational denature of voltage-gated Na channels. This resulted in functional reductions in muscle cells' excitability. We quantified the TP shock-induced decrease in the Na channel currents, compared the pre- and post-shocked Na channel currents' voltage dependency, and studied the reversibility of the electroconformationally denatured ion channel proteins. These observations are particularly relevant to the problem of explaining the neuromuscular damage following high voltage electrical shock injuries despite no evidence of a thermal injury component.
More Related Videos
08:56Demonstration of Proteolytic Activation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) by Combining Current Measurements with Detection of Cleavage Fragments
Published on: July 5, 2014
10:12Monitoring Electroporation-Induced Changes in Action Potential Generation in Genetically Engineered Tet-On Spiking HEK cells
Published on: September 6, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Action Potentials
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels