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The influence of sterols on pentachlorophenol-induced charge transfer across lipid bilayers studied by alternating current methods.

The frequency dependence of membrane admittance has been determined for a series of phosphatidylcholine/sterol/n-decane bilayers in the presence of an aqueous environment containing pentachlorophenol. Variations in the results among membranes can be related to differences in the kinetic parameters of a kinetic model of pentachlorophenol-induced charge transport by characterizing both measurements and model behavior in terms of a common equivalent circuit. The kinetic model assumes a three-layer structure for the membrane and immediate environment. Data from membranes formed with beta-hydroxysterols having a flat ring structure and an intact side-chain (cholestanol, cholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol), after correction for sterol-induced membrane thinning, suggest that these sterols affect charge translocation by altering both interior fluidity and surface dipolar fields. The effects almost cancel for the case of cholesterol. These sterols also affect interfacial processes, either by inhibiting proton exchange between the aqueous and lipid environments, or by suppressing the adsorption of pentachlorophenol anions. Stigmasterol, coprostanol and epicholesterol cause only minor alterations in both translocation and interfacial processes. None of the sterols investigated has a significant influence on the capacitance of the interfacial region.

Animals↗

Admittance change of squid axon during action potentials. Change in capacitive component due to sodium currents.

Since the discovery of Cole and Curtis (1938. Nature (Lond.). 142:209 and 1939. J. Gen. Physiol. 22:649) that the imaginary components, i.e., capacitive and inductive components, of the admittance of squid axon membrane remained unchanged during the action potential, there have been numerous studies on impedance and admittance characteristics of nerves. First of all, it is now known that the dielectric capacitance of the membrane is frequency dependent. Second, the recent observation of gating currents indicates that dipolar molecules may be involved in the onset of ionic currents. Under these circumstances, the author felt it necessary to reinvestigate the membrane admittance characteristics of nerve axons. The measurements by Cole and Curtis were performed mainly at 20 kHz, indicating that their observation was limited only to the passive membrane capacitance. To detect the change in the capacitive component during the action potential, we performed transient admittance measurements at lower frequencies. However, the frequency range of the measurements was restricted because of the short duration of the normal action potential. In addition, a change in the inductive component obscured the low frequency behavior of the capacitance. To use wider frequency range and simplify the system by eliminating the inductive component, the potassium current was blocked by tetraethyl ammonium, and the increase in the capacitive component was reinvestigated during the long action potential. The admittance change under this condition was found to be mostly capacitive, and conductance change was very small. The increase in the capacitive component was from 1.0 to 1.23 muF/cm2.

Action Potentials↗

Fusion pore conductance: experimental approaches and theoretical algorithms.

Time-resolved admittance measurements provide the basis for studies showing that membrane fusion occurs through the formation and widening of an initially small pore, linking two previously separated aqueous compartments. Here we introduce modifications to this method that correct the cell-pipette (source) admittance for attenuation and phase shifts produced by electrophysiological equipment. Two new approaches for setting the right phase angle are discussed. The first uses the displacement of a patch-clamp amplifier C-slow potentiometer for the calculation of phase. This calculation is based on amplitudes of observed and expected (theoretical) changes in the source admittance. The second approach automates the original phase adjustment, the validity of which we prove analytically for certain conditions. The multiple sine wave approach is modified to allow the calculation of target cell membrane parameters and the conductance of the fusion pore. We also show how this technique can be extended for measurements of the resting potential of the first (voltage-clamped) membrane. We introduce an algorithm for calculation of fusion pore conductance despite a concurrent change in the resistance of the clamped membrane. The sensitivity of the capacitance restoration algorithm to phase shift errors is analyzed, and experimental data are used to demonstrate the results of this analysis. Finally, we show how the phase offset can be corrected "off-line" by restoring the shape of the capacitance increment.

Algorithms↗

Synaptic mechanisms of bipolar cell terminals.

Giant synaptic terminals of goldfish bipolar neurons allow direct studies of presynaptic mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release and its modulation. Calcium influx via L-type calcium channels of the terminal triggers synaptic vesicle exocytosis, which can be monitored in isolated terminals by means of the associated changes in membrane capacitance. Information about the kinetics and calcium dependence of synaptic exocytosis has been obtained from capacitance measurements in these ribbon-type synaptic terminals.

Action Potentials↗

Friction, capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in dry atopic and normal skin.

The biophysical properties of non-eczematous skin at three locations in atopics and non-atopics were characterized using non-invasive physical methods. Skin friction was measured with a newly developed sliding friction instrument, the degree of hydration with a capacitance meter (Corneometer CM 820), and the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was determined using an Evaporimeter EP1. The areas examined (dorsum of the hand, volar forearm and lower back) showed lower values of friction and capacitance in the atopic patients than did corresponding sites in the normal controls. In most areas a significant correlation between friction and capacitance was found. The TEWL was increased in atopic skin, but TEWL seems to correlate neither to friction nor to capacitance.

Adult↗

Effect of tetanic myocardial contraction on coronary pressure-flow relationships.

Cardiac contraction causes a decrease in coronary flow. Despite many studies, it is still not clear what mechanism or mechanisms are responsible for this flow decrease. The phasic nature of myocardial contraction and the complexities intrinsic to intact heart preparations make it difficult to elucidate the mechanisms. We therefore studied coronary pressure-flow relationships during steady-state (tetanic) contractions in the maximally vasodilated isolated canine interventricular septum to see whether waterfall-type behavior is present. Using ryanodine and electrical stimulation allowed the production of reproducible and reversible tetani. This preparation minimizes the difficulties associated with transmural variations and also the effects of intramyocardial capacitance. Two separate protocols were performed to delineate the pressure-flow relationships in the passive and tetanized states. The first compared diastolic and tetanized pressure-flow relationships. In the second protocol, 2,3-butanedione monoxime was added to obtain an intermediate contractile level, thus allowing the comparison of two contractile states. Both the diastolic and tetanized pressure-flow relationships were curvilinear in the low-pressure range. Linear and nonlinear fits to the data showed that the primary effect of contraction was a shift of the pressure-flow relationships to higher pressures at a given flow. This effect was graded by the level of contractility and was independent of developed stress. Although other mechanisms may also be operative, these results support the presence of waterfall behavior in the coronary vascular bed.

Animals↗

Contributions of suspending medium to electrical impedance of blood.

Blood cells from ten normal subjects, anticoagulated with dried sodium heparin, were washed twice with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and resuspended with autologous plasma, serum, serum plus sodium heparin, and PBS. The resistance Rp and capacitance Cm of these suspensions were determined by measuring the impedances at three frequencies 100 kHz, 800 kHz and 1.2 MHz, and found to be dependent on the proteins and electrolytes of the suspending medium. Two suspensions with the same medium resistivity might have different resistances if the contents of the two mediums are different. The fibrinogen, serum proteins, sodium heparin and membrane contributed to Cm by 20%, 14%, 2% and 64%, respectively. For the samples with buffered sodium citrate as anticoagulant and in the haematocrit range 30-60%, the group washed and resuspended with PBS had a consistently decreased Rp and Cm compared to the original group. Sodium heparin seemed to be the best anticoagulant when studying the electrical impedance of blood. The influence of suspending medium might result in part from the altered interfacial polarisation. The results might be useful for understanding the origin of the impedance of blood, and imply that impedance measurement may be an alternative method for screening purposes for diseases that involve abnormal compositions of certain plasma proteins.

Blood Cells↗

Endothelin-induced electrical activity and calcium dynamics in vascular smooth muscle cells: a model study.

A model is proposed to describe the electrical activity and intracellular calcium dynamics of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) induced by endothelin (ET1). The conductance of the nonselective channels (NSCs), proportional to the ET1-receptor complex (ET . R), is intracellular calcium dependent. Inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3) produced by ET1 releases Ca2+ from the IP3-sensitive Ca2+ store. The transient increase of intracellular Ca2+ triggers the release of Ca2+ from the Ca(2+)-sensitive store by a Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ (CICR) mechanism and activates the Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (IK,Ca). The inward current (Iin) via the NSC can depolarize the cell to a level at which the L-type Ca2+ current becomes activated (ICa). The level of depolarization is determined by the relative amplitude of (Iin + ICa + IK,Ca) and the voltage- and time-dependent K+ current. The model simulations show that (a) in cells without a CICR mechanism, short-lasting stimulation by ET1 elicits higher membrane potential and Ca2+ than long-lasting stimulation; (b) in cells with or without a CICR mechanism, a reduction of normal membrane capacitance (1 muf/cm2) results in either significant and sustaining or oscillatory membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentration. The applicability of the model to the study of electrical activity and calcium dynamics associated with hypercholesterolemia is discussed.

Animals↗

Cultured hippocampal neurons from trisomy 16 mouse, a model for Down's syndrome, have an abnormal action potential due to a reduced inward sodium current.

Mouse trisomy 16 is an animal model for Down's syndrome (human trisomy 21). The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to compare passive and active electrical properties of trisomy 16 and diploid mouse 16 fetal hippocampal neurons maintained in culture for 2-5 weeks. There was no significant difference in any mean passive property, including resting potential, membrane resistance, capacitance and time constant. However, in trisomic neurons, the action potential had a 20% significantly slower rising phase and a 20% significantly smaller inward sodium current and inward sodium conductance than did control neurons. The outward conductance was not altered. The ratio of maximum inward conductance to maximum outward conductance was 30% less in the trisomy 16 cells. These results indicate that trisomy 16 hippocampal neurons have abnormal active electrical properties, most likely reflecting reduced sodium channel membrane density. Such subtle differences may influence elaboration of the hippocampus during development.

Action Potentials↗

Electrical detection of biomolecular interactions with metal-insulator-semiconductor diodes.

We report the label-free detection of DNA hybridization using a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) diode or capacitor. Upon immobilization of single-stranded DNA on the gold gate of a MIS capacitor, the capacitance versus voltage characteristics show a significant shift in the direction of negative voltages as expected from the immobilization of negative charges on the gate. The hybridization with the complementary strand gives rise to a further significant shift in the same direction as before, which is consistent with the increase of negative charges on the gate brought about by the hybridization. Fluorescence studies indicate that the immobilization and hybridization of DNA can be electrostatically promoted by electric fields externally applied to the MIS capacitors. The MIS diode detection method is applicable to all biomolecular interactions that affect the surface dipole at the interface between the metal gate and the electrolyte and can be extended to other chemical and biochemical systems such as proteins and cells.

Adsorption↗

Relationships between parameters describing low-frequency electrical admittance locus plot of human palmar skin.

Using a two-frequency three-electrode method, unipolar electrical admittance was measured in the palmar skin of 48 normal healthy humans. Characteristics of and relationships between the phase angle pi alpha/2, the conductance extrapolated at zero frequency G(O) and ion relaxation time tau obtained from the Cole-Cole equation were examined in a low-frequency region (up to 354 Hz). At base-line resting values, the three admittance parameters were interrelated according to the regression model; log tau i = A + B alpha i + D log G(O)i + epsilon i with R2 > or = 0.7434 (p < or = 0.0001), where A, B and D determined from regression analysis showed inter- and intra-individual variation. Multi-factor analyses of variance showed that alpha was greater in women than men (0.8025 versus 0.7545, p < 0.0023), and log G(O) decreased significantly with age (covariate coefficient = -0.0058 log microS cm-2 per year, p < 0.04). For evoked responses, alpha showed a very small change (maximum < 5%), tau decreased while G(O) increased. With increasing frequency, conductance responses increased in absolute amplitudes but decreased in relative changes (amplitude change divided by static level). Statistical analyses from clinical experimental materials (total 130 subjects) showed that the capacitive behaviour of admittance (due to alpha) presented significant variation between controls and patient groups. This may shed new light on the nature of the skin electrical admittance/impedance.

Electric Impedance↗

The electrophysiological properties of the resting thyroid follicular cell.

Glass microelectrodes have been useful in the study of the electrical properties of the resting thyroid follicular cell membrane. The resting transmembrane potential (RMP) has probably been underestimated in earlier work, possible as a result of leak artefacts, and it is clear that in most species the RMP is certainly greater than -60 mV. The ratio of membrane Na+ permeability to K+ permeability (PNa/PK) is of the order of 0.07 to 0.08, and Cl- is possibly (although not definitely) distributed in a passive fashion across the cell membrane, indicating that the transmembrane K+ gradient is the most important factor in the generation of the RMP. The existence of an electrogenic sodium pump in the follicular cell membrane has been demonstrated: the pump contributes about -2 mV to the RMP under control conditions. Follicular cells are completely electrically coupled, the basic coupled cellular unit probably being equivalent to the individual thyroid follicle, and the specific membrane resistance and specific membrane capacitance have been calculated to be 5 k omega. cm2 and 3.6 microF/cm2 respectively.

Animals↗

Thin film platinum cuff electrodes for neurostimulation: in vitro approach of safe neurostimulation parameters.

Thin film technology takes more and more importance in the development of biomedical devices dedicated to functional neurostimulation. Our research about the design of implant neurostimulating electrode is oriented toward thin film cuff electrodes based on a polyimide substrate covered by a chromium/gold/Pt film. The chromium/gold sputtered film serves as adhesion layer and current collector whereas platinum acts as an electrochemical actuator. The electrode surface has been designed to obey safe stimulation criteria (i.e. chemically inert noble metal, low electrode-electrolyte impedance, high electrochemical reversibility, high corrosion stability). The electrochemical behaviour of such platinum electrodes has been assessed and compared to a foil of platinum. Extensive in vitro characterisations of the both electrode types were carried out using AFM, SEM and electrochemical techniques. The role of enhanced surface roughness enabling high double layer capacitances to be achieved was clearly highlighted. The obtained results are discussed, with particular reference to thin film electrodes stability under in vitro electrical stimulation in NaCl 0.9% (physiological serum). Therefore, these thin film devices showed reversible PtOH formation and decomposition making them potentially attractive for the fabrication of implant stimulation cuff electrodes.

Body Fluids↗

Electrodeposition of manganese and molybdenum mixed oxide thin films and their charge storage properties.

Manganese and molybdenum mixed oxides in a thin film form were deposited anodically on a platinum substrate by cycling the electrode potential between 0 and +1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl in aqueous manganese(II) solutions containing molybdate anion (MoO(4)2-). A possible mechanism for the film formation is as follows. First, electrooxidation of Mn2+ ions with H2O yields Mn oxide and protons. Then, the protons being accumulated near the electrode surface react with MoO(4)2- to form polyoxomolybdate through a dehydrated condensation reaction (by protonation and dehydration). The condensed product coprecipitates with the Mn oxide. Cyclic voltammetry of the Mn/Mo oxide film-coated electrode in aqueous 0.5 M Na2SO4 solution exhibited a pseudocapacitive behavior with higher capacitance and better rate capability than that of the pure Mn oxide prepared similarly, most likely as a result of an increase in electrical conductivity of the film. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy clearly demonstrated that the observed pseudocapacitive behavior results from reversible extraction/insertion of hydrated protons to balance the charge upon oxidation/reduction of Mn3+/Mn4+ in the film.

Journal Article↗