ELECTROPORATION-INDUCED DAMAGE IN MAMMALIAN-CELL DNA

Electroporation induced damage in the DNA of HL60 cells has been inves tigated by alkaline elution techniques. DNA damage is minimised by red ucing the total charge applied (i.e., voltage X capacitance). Reductio n of either of these electrical parameters, however, compromises the i nduced permeability of the cells to small molecules. The data presente d concerning the effects of voltage and capacitance on DNA damage and the permeability of cells can be used to specify optimum conditions fo r electroporation in which DNA damage is minimised. The duration for w hich the current is applied can be seen to have a significant effect o n the level of DNA damage. A modest temperature rise may occur when an electric charge is passed through electroporation buffer, but this ev ent alone does not induce DNA damage in cells. The effect of voltage u pon the permeability of HL60 cells to fluorescent-labelled molecules o f varying molecular weight is reported.