The ability of cellular membranes to generate electrically-induced mechanical force (EMF) has been demonstrated in many cell types, including cochlear outer hair cells, axons, and some cultured mammalian cells. Models of membrane based EMF generation are based on an interaction between the transmembrane electric field and membrane surface charge. We use a technique that combines optical trapping with voltage clamping to investigate the effects of an electrically charged amphipathic agent on EMF by membrane tethers. Our preliminary results indicate that salicylate, a negatively charged amphipathic agent, which is also known to cause reversible hearing loss and reduce outer hair cell electromotility, reduces EMF in membrane tethers. These measurements provide a basis to better understand the role of membrane charge properties in EMF generation.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.