Structural analysis of electrical properties of cells and tissues

Most cells and tissues have electrical properties relevant to their natural function. Most cells and tissues have rather complex structure, consisting of folding and invaginating membranes and specialized connections and organelles. The localization of electrical properties is particularly important, since each of the complex structures must be expected to have a specific role in the electrical function of the tissue. The structural analysis of electrical properties consists then in the measurements of the electrical properties of the individual components of the tissue or cell. The structural analysis proceeds by a qualitative analysis of the topology of the preparation, followed by quantitative measurements of the morphometric parameters, the surface, and volume of the relevant structures. A theoretical analysis is performed to determine the electrical properties expected from such a structure. Measurements of natural and induced electrical properties are then made. Comparison of the observed electrical properties with those predicted allows determination of the properties of individual components of the tissue. In this manner the role of individual membrane systems in the function of both skeletal muscle and the lens of the eye has been determined.