Plasma membrane hyperpolarization effect on chromatin and protein biosynthesis in rat hepatocytes of different ages.

Plasmic membrane hyperpolarization resulted in a significant activation of the cell genome and a stimulation of the synthesis of total RNA and protein of hepatocytes. Changes in the level of membrane potential are thought to be one of the mechanisms of regulation of cell's genetic apparatus. In old age the stimulating effect of hyperpolarization is weakened that may be a cause of a change in protein biosynthesis.