Electroconformational change as a mechanism for damage to membrane proteins by intense electric fields

Injury associated with electric shock is often thought to be primarily thermal in nature. Recent evidence suggests however that electroporation, i.e., enhanced membrane permeability due to very large membrane electric potentials, is also a significant cause of cell death. In some instances, tissue damage can be reduced by the timely administering of surfactants that help seal the membrane. In this paper we consider possible effects of strong electric fields on the conformational states of membrane proteins, and possibilities for methods to reverse this damage.