The mechanism underlying the effect of bioelectric field on wound healing in vivo has not been previously investigated. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of an applied electric field (EF) on epidermal cell migration during wound healing. Using a Bama miniature pig wound model, we applied a power-up device (negative electrode in the wound centre and positive electrode around the wound) with pulsed electrical power, to apply a continuous, stable, and tolerable EF to the wound and provide directional signals for keratinocyte migration towards the wound centre. An EF of 100 mV/mm applied in the same direction as the bioelectric field accelerated wound healing. The keratinocytes exhibited regular and similar shapes, uniform arrangement, and an organised migration pattern. In contrast, 100 mV/mm applied countercurrent to the bioelectric field, delayed wound healing and hindered the keratinocyte migration towards the wound centre. Further, the cells were disorganised, misshapen, irregular, and disoriented. Via the application of a directional stable EF, this study morphologically identified the relationships among wound EF, keratinocyte migration, and wound healing and established theoretical and empirical foundations for the clinical application of bioelectric fields.
Keywords: Bioelectric field; Differentiation; Epidermis; Keratinocyte; Pseudopod; Re-epithelialisation.
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