Authors
Bing Song MD. PhD., Jin Pu MD, Brian Reid PhD, Zhiqiang Zhao MD, and Min Zhao MD. PhD.
Summary
It has long been known that cells can be induced to migrate by the application of small direct current electric fields, a phenomenon referred to as galvanotaxis. We recently reported some significant effects of electric signals of physiological strength in guiding cell migration and wound healing. We present here protocols to make “electrotactic chambers”, and to apply an electric field to cells or tissues cultured in the chamber. The chamber can be built to allow controlled medium flow to prevent the potential development of chemical gradients generated by the electric fields. It can accommodate cells on planar culture or in 3-dimensional cultures in gels, with modification to maintain small pieces of tissue and organ in vitro, as well as small embryos. Mounted on an inverted microscope, this setup allows close and well controlled observation of cellular responses to electric signals. As similar electric fields are widely present during development and wound healing, this experimental system can be used to simulate and study cellular and molecular responses to electric signals. In order to test the effect of electric signals in vivo, we have also developed a pharmacological approach to modulate endogenous wound electric fields in a cornea wound-healing model in vivo.Further details
The protocol was published on Protocol Exchange in 2006. To see the entire protocol, click on the source link.Advertisement
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