[Directed migration and morphological changes of cultured trophoblast cells in small electric fields].

OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of physiological direct current electric fields (dcEF) on the migration and morphology of trophoblast cells. METHODS:The trophoblast cells (HTR8) were exposed to dcEF at 100 mV/mm and 200 mV/mm for 5 and 24 hours. The cell images were recorded and analyzed by image analyzer. RESULTS:Trophoblast cells cultured in medium containing 20% calf serum showed significant galvanotropism, including directed migration and orientation in the electric fields with a field strength of 100 mV/mm and 200 mV/mm. The cells showed obvious anode migration and enhanced migration rates compared with the non-EF stimulated cells. The directed migration was serum dependent. No significant cell migration occurred in the serum free medium under dcEF stimulation. The trophoblast cells showed morphological changes such as elongation under dcEF stimulation. CONCLUSION:Physiological direct current electrical fields may induce directed migration of trophoblast cells and this response is serum dependent. The morphological change featured with elongation is evident under dcEF stimulation.