Evidence of electroconformational changes in membrane proteins: field-induced reductions in intra membrane nonlinear charge movement currents

Experimental results are presented to show that a pulsed, intensive membrane potential can reduce intra membrane, nonlinear charge movement currents, which are the voltage-sensors in the voltage-dependent membrane proteins and in the excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal muscle fibers. The results indicate a possible mechanism involved in electrical injury: dysfunctions of the voltage-dependent membrane proteins caused by electroconformational damages in their voltage-sensors. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.