ELECTRICAL COUPLING

electrical coupling: translation

Of two physically touching cells, denoting the presence of a junction that allows the passage of electrical current. Usually tested by impaling both cells with microelectrodes, injecting a current into one, and looking for a change in potential in the other. Usually taken as an indication of coupling by gap junctions or electrical synapses: see also dye coupling. Electrical coupling is not confined to excitable cells: many embryonic and adult epithelia are coupled, possibly to allow metabolic cooperation.