Vm-related extracellular potentials observed in red blood cells

Abstract

Overview

The study examines the fundamental aspects of membrane potential (Vm) in non-excitable cells, particularly red blood cells, challenging the conventional understanding that Vm exists exclusivley across the cell membrane without external influence.

Findings

• Vm is detectable beyond the cell surface, contradicting standard models that assume homogeneity in ion concentrations inside and outside the cell.
• Modulation of Vm leads to measurable changes in extracellular potential through mechanisms likely related to capacitive coupling, rather than molecular transporters.
• Experimental results show that altering Vm affects the extracellular ion composition similar to what is observed if voltage-gated channels were present in these cells.
• The study also highlights circadian rhythms in extracellular potential synchronized with Vm, indicating potential impact on cell-cell interactions and implications for cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

This research uncovers significant interactions between Vm and the extracellular environment, suggesting a complex system that has been understudied. The findings may have profound implications for our understanding of cellular interactions in a variety of biological processes and diseases.