Thesis (Ph.D.)--Aberdeen University, 2009. / Title from web page (viewed on Sep. 2, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Physiological electric fields (EFs) have been measured in many developing and regenerating systems and are modulated spatially, temporally and in magnitude.  Many types of cells polarize and migrate in specific directions when exposed to a small applied EF similar in magnitude to those found endogenously.  In the present investigation, an endogenous EF was recorded in an aortic explant.  The response of three EPCs (MFLM-4, AEL-deltaR1 and AEL-deltaR1/Runx1), one endothelial cell line (HUVEC) and five other cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MTLn-3, HEK-293, COS-7 and CHO) in physiological EFs were shown.  The roles of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in the EFs directed cell migration were studied.  The roles of intracellular calcium, intracellular calcium stores, purinergic signalling and gap junction communication in the intracellular calcium rising, calcium wave propagation and re-endothelialization were studied too.  In conclusion, electrical signalling between cells and ionic fluxes in cells are important controlling mechanisms of endothelial behaviours.  Electric fields and ionic fluxes regulate migration of endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells.  Orchestrated endothelial behaviours and recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells repair injuries to endothelium, and may lead to angiogenesis.  Manipulation of electric fields and control of ionic fluxes may be a promising approach to control endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis.