PHYSIOLOGICAL ELECTRICAL FIELDS MODIFY CELL BEHAVIOR

Steady direct current (dc) electric fields exist in many biological sy stems over many hours. At these times cells are dividing, differentiat ing, moving to final locations and extending motile processes. Each of these events may be influenced by physiological electric fields in ti ssue culture and when electric fields are disrupted in vivo, major dev elopmental abnormalities arise. The likelihood of physiological electr ic fields playing a role in cell behaviours and some potential mechani sms are outlined.