At a glance - Effect of anodal and cathodal microamperage direct current electrical stimulation on injury potential and wound size in guinea pigs

JRRD at a Glance

Effect of anodal and cathodal microamperage direct current electrical stimulation on injury potential and wound size in guinea pigs

Gadamali Talebi, MSc, et al.

Skin wounds represent major medical, social, and economic concerns for patients. Human or animal skin possesses endogenous electrical potentials such that the external skin surface is always electronegative with respect to inner skin layers. Following tissue damage, an injury current is generated that is thought to trigger biological repair. Based on these findings, we proposed that external electrical stimulation might help healing through the simulation and enhancement of natural bioelectric currents. A full-thickness skin incision was made on the dorsal region of guinea pigs. We applied microamperage anodal and cathodal direct current (DC) for 1 hour a day, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks. The differential skin surface potential was measured before and immediately after the injury and through the healing process (21 days). Our results suggest that anodal microamperage DC can accelerate the bioelectric properties of skin wounds and cause wound potential to more rapidly return to preinjury levels.

Volume 45 Number 1, 2008
Pages 153 — 160

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