Cellular and molecular basis of electric injuries reversibility of electric, thermal and shockwave effects

The primary effects of an electric shock to a tissue or a suspension of cells arise from the electric potential, Joule heating, and shockwaves of the electric field. These effects can cause electroporation of cell membranes, denaturation of proteins, and destruction of supramolecular structures in cells, and disorganization of tissues. Other secondary effects of an electric shock include the diminished ability of cells to resist chemical and biological infectants, such as, toxic reagents, viruses and bacteria. For treatment of electric or burn trauma, one must identify damages due to these effects and design strategies to reverse damages at the cellular and molecular levels.