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

J. C. Seegers, C. A. Engelbrecht, D. H.van Papendorp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Successful treatment of various medical complaints with an applied electric field has been reported over the years. The identities of the cellular mechanisms that are influenced by this type of treatment and facilitate the positive effects, remain elusive. A study of many in vitro and in vivo reports revealed that the beneficial effects can be attributed to the activation of membrane proteins, and specifically proteins involved in signal-transduction mechanisms. Not only may the proteins be affected but it is now well established that enhanced Ca2+ influx, observed to follow electric stimulation 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 (103 to 104 V m-1 range), electric field with low to moderate frequency (below 150 Hz), is postulated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)224-230
Number of pages7
JournalMedical Hypotheses
Volume57
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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