On the Mechanism of Oriented Myoblast Differentiation in an Applied Electric Field.

We are investigating the mechanism of perpendicular differentiation of myoblasts in an applied electric field. Electric fields have latent effects in this regard. Perpendicular alignment can occur at least an hour after the field has been switched off. Polarization of the axis of development was a Ca++-dependent process, being blocked by Co++ and mimicked by a unilateral source of the calcium channel agonist Bay K8644. Surprisingly, several types of organelles became distributed asymmetrically within the cytoplasm of oriented and orienting cells. Whether these asymmetries underpin orientation, together with the explanation for organelle asymmetry, are unclear.