Abstract
Conditions for electrical breakdown and subsequent fusion of biological membranes have been reported for a variety of eukaryotic cell systems. Large fusion yields may be obtained by first causing cells to form pearl chains parallel to the electric flux lines in a high frequency a.c. field by a process known as dielectrophoresis. The dielectrophoretic force affords close positioning of the cells and facilitates maintenance and expansion of intercellular membrane and cytoplasmic contiguity initiated by one or more sharp square pulses directed through the pearl chains. Reversible disruption of the cell membrane occurs when the compressive electrical force caused by the square pulse exceeds a critical value.This investigation focused on elucidating the ultrastructural kinetic mechanism(s) involved in the electrically-induced fusion of human erythrocytes. In this case, rapid freeze copper sample holders for freeze-fracture were incorporated as electrodes into a circuit capable of performing the type of protocol described above (Fig. 1). Washed human erythrocytes were suspended in 0.3 M sucrose containing 25.7 μm latex beads for electrode separation.
Published Version
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