[Specific electric resistance of a narrow gap between two lipid bilayer membranes]

The study deals with measurements of specific electric resistance of a narrow gap between two bilayer lipid membranes (BLM). The technique is based upon the influence of the outer electric field on the distance between two BLM which has been revealed earlier. The curve of specific resistance/solution ionic strength obtained suggests that surface conductivity is significant in similar systems. In gaps narrower than 40 nm possible increase of water viscosity must be also taken into consideration. A hypothetic mechanism of electric connection between cells is proposed.