Analysis of the effect of medium and membrane conductance on the amplitude and kinetics of membrane potentials induced by externally applied electric fields

Z. Lojewska, D. L. Farkas, B. Ehrenberg, L. M. Loew

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

70 Scopus citations

Abstract

The kinetics and amplitudes of membrane potential induced by externally applied electric field pulses are determined for a spherical lipid bilayer using a voltage-sensitive dye. Several experimental parameters were systematically varied. These included the incorporation of gramicidin into the membrane to alter its conductivity and the variation of the external electrolyte conductivity via changes in salt concentration. The ability of the solution to Laplace's equation for a spherical dielectric shell to quantitatively describe the membrane potential induced on a lipid bilayer could thus be critically evaluated. Both the amplitude and the kinetics of the induced potential were consistent with the predictions of this simple model, even at the extremes of membrane conductance or electrolyte concentration. The success of the experimental approach for this system encourages its application to more complex problems such as electroporation and the influences of external electric fields in growth and development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)121-128
Number of pages8
JournalBiophysical Journal
Volume56
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1989
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute of General Medical SciencesR01GM035063

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