The cellular response to 100 ns pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) exposure includes the formation of transient nanopores in the plasma membrane and organelle membranes, an immediate increase in intracellular Ca2+, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). DNA fragmentation and caspase activation. 100 ns, 30 kV/cm nsPEF stimulates an increase in ROS proportional to the pulse number. This increase is inhibited by the anti-oxidant, Trolox, as well as the presence of Ca2+ chelators in the intracellular and extracellular media. This suggests that the nsPEF-triggered Ca2+ increase is required for ROS generation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.