Membrane permeabilization lifetime in experiments

Abstract

Short high field electric pulses when delivered to a cell suspension or a tissue results in a membrane permeabilization (electropermeabilization). Classical electropermeabilization (pulse longer than 1 μs) results in an enhanced transport across the membrane and in a change in its electrical conductivity. Electropermeabilization can be reversible if the pulsing parameters are selected in a proper way. This reversibility is due to set of reactions called resealing. This means that an enhanced membrane permeabilization is transiently induced while preserving the cell viability. More drastic pulsing conditions can make this permeability irreversible (cell death would result). Molecular mechanisms supporting electropermeabilization of cell membrane are complex. They are not limited to the lipid matrix (punching holes in the lipid bilayer as figured out in "electroporation") but involved the cellular machinery.