Activation of signal-transduction mechanisms may underlie the therapeutic effects of an applied electric field

Successful treatment of various medical complaints with an applied electric field has been reported over the years. The identities of the cellular mec hanisms that are influenced by this type of treatment and facilitate the po sitive effects, remain elusive. A study of many in vitro and in vivo report s revealed that the beneficial effects can be attributed to the activation of membrane proteins, and specifically proteins involved in signal-transduc tion mechanisms. Not only may the proteins be affected but it is now well e stablished that enhanced Ca2+ influx, observed to follow electric stimulati on of cells, also contributes to many calcium-dependent cellular processes which can be linked to the therapeutic effects discussed in this paper. An hypothesis of the physical changes caused by an applied, relatively small ( 10(3) to 10(4) V m(-1) range), electric field with low to moderate frequenc y (below 150 Hz), is postulated. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.