Models for gap-junction connected cells exposed to low-frequency electric fields

Abstract

Gap junctions connect many biological cells, providing a form of local intercellular communication which is important for many normal cell processes, such as growth and coordinated tissue responses [1]. Gap junction communication may change in the presence of certain tumour promoters. It has been speculated that this change in communication interferes with the exchange of information important for the regulation of cell growth [2]. Studies have shown that gap junction communication changes when cells are exposed to electromagnetic (EM) fields [3].