Effects of Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields on Cell-Cell Communication in a Monolayer

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) can induce different biological effects in cells, depending on pulse length and field strength. Currently, they are investigated for medical applications such as cancer treatment and wound healing. One particular response that has so far not been investigated is the effect on the communication between cells. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is important to maintain the homeostasis in tissues and plays a crucial role in many diseases. For the study of the effects of nsPEFs confluent monolayers of rat liver epithelial cells WB-F344 were exposed to 20 pulses of 100 ns and up to 20 kV/cm and GJIC was tested by scrape loading/dye transfer assay. Gap junctions are built from the protein connexin, therefore changes of connexin 43 (Cx43) distribution in the cells were examined by immunofluorescent staining. Cells showed a field strength dependent decreased communication. In addition less Cx43 was detectable in the membrane after exposure.