Experimental cutaneous wound healing in rabbits: using continuous microamperage low-voltage electrical stimulation

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effects of continuous microamperage low-voltage electrical stimulation on cutaneous wound healing. Sixty mature rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups (experimental, open control, and closed or sutured control groups). After routine surgical preparations, two 3 × 1 cm pieces of lumbosacral skin were excised on both sides in each animal. An incision was made over the fascia and muscle on the right side (deep wounds), and in the left side, only the skin was removed (superficial wound). Continuous direct electrical current (100 μA and 1.5 V) was applied to both wounds of the experimental group for 14 days. All rabbits were kept under observation for a period of 21 days, and their wound contraction and repair were measured daily. The rabbits then were euthanized, and biopsies were taken from the site of initial incisions. There was no significant difference in the rate of wound contraction between experimental group and open control. The yield and ultimate strength of the above mentioned specimens were lower than those of the normal skin, and the differences in biomechanical parameters between all groups were not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant decrease in the biomechanical properties of closed control lesions compared to those of the open control (p < 0.05). Hemorrhages were evident in the upper dermis just below the epidermis, and many macrophages and lymphocytes were infiltrated at the site of injury. Electron microscopic studies showed no significant difference in the collagen fibrils diameter and distribution between different groups. There was no significant difference in the percentage dry weight of the injured skin with those of the normal skin. Results suggest that continuous microamperage low-voltage electrical stimulation, as given, did not significantly improve wound healing.