Effects of micro-amperage direct current stimulation on injury potential and its relation to wound surface area in guinea pig

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2007:2007:3516-9. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2007.4353089.

Abstract

Introduction: it is believed that the exogenous electrical stimulation via improving the natural endogenous bioelectric current, accelerate the wound healing. Up to now, this hypotheses has not been researched in acute surgically wounds.

Materials and methods: Thirty-nine male guinea pigs were randomly divided into one control and two experimental groups (DC anodal group and DC cathodal group). A full thickness skin incision, length of 2.5 cm, was made on the dorsum of each animal The differential surface skin potential was measured before and immediately after the injury and also through the healing process until 21st days.

Results: Only in anodal group, there was not significant difference between the basal initial potential and the wound potential on days of 17, 19 and 21 (p>0.05). On days of 19 and 21, the wound potential decreased higher in anodal group than in control group (p<0.05). Wound surface area in two experimental groups decreased higher in 3rd weeks with respect to control group (p<0.05).

Discussion and conclusion: Anodal micro-amperage direct current can accelerate bioelectric events of skin wound and return more rapidly the wound potential to its before injury natural level.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin / physiopathology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / physiology*
  • Wound Healing / radiation effects*
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnosis
  • Wounds and Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*