AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DIATHERMY : VI. CONDUCTION OF HIGH FREQUENCY CURRENTS THROUGH THE LIVING CELL

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Electrophysiology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Diathermy currents are used therapeutically, but their interaction with living cells requires precise understanding.
• Measuring the electrical impedance of cells is crucial for comprehending their physiological responses to electrical fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe a method for quantifying the relative impedance of living cells subjected to diathermy currents.
• To investigate the distribution of heat production (intracellular and extracellular) resulting from diathermy current passage through cells.
• To evaluate the impact of specific substances, like saponin, on electrical measurements in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• A novel method was employed to measure the relative impedance of living cells to diathermy currents.
• The penetration of diathermy current into cells and subsequent heat generation patterns were analyzed.
• The effect of saponin on electrolyte conductivity was assessed to determine its suitability for biological electrical measurements.

Main Results:

• Diathermy currents penetrate living cells, leading to both intracellular and extracellular heat production.
• A portion of cellular impedance to diathermy current was observed to not contribute to heat generation.
• Saponin significantly increases electrolyte conductivity, making it unsuitable for accurate electrical measurements on biological material.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a method for assessing cell impedance to diathermy, elucidating heat generation mechanisms.
• The findings indicate that not all cellular impedance is associated with heat production during diathermy.
• Saponin interferes with electrical measurements and its use in such contexts is contraindicated.