Address of Corresponding Author

Cells Tissues Organs 2006;182:59-78 (DOI: 10.1159/000093061)

  Key Words

• Surface charge
• Cell guiding
• Electrotaxis
• Electromagnetic fields

  Abstract

This review concentrates on findings described in the recent literature on the response of cells and tissues to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Models of the causal interaction between different forms of EMF and ions or biomolecules of the cell will be presented together with our own results in cell surface recognition. Naturally occurring electric fields are not only important for cell-surface interactions but are also pivotal for the normal development of the organism and its physiological functions. A further goal of this review is to bridge the gap between recent cell biological studies (which, indeed, show new data of EMF actions) and aspects of EMF-based therapy, e.g., in wounds and bone fractures.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Richard H.W. Funk
Department of Anatomy, University of Technology, Fetscherstrasse 74
DE-01307 Dresden (Germany)
Tel. +49 351 458 6110, Fax +49 351 458 6303
E-Mail Richard.Funk@tu-dresden.de

  Article Information

Accepted after revision: January 26, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 20
Number of Figures : 9, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 151