Electric stimulation of protein and DNA synthesis in human fibroblasts

Abstract

Human fibroblast cell cultures were employed as a model system to rapidly examine several potentially important variables involved in the use of high-voltage, pulsed galvanic stimulation (HVPGS) to increase the healing rate of soft tissue injuries. Fibroblasts were grown on Millipore filters and exposed to HVPGS of various voltages and pulse rates for 20 min in a rectangular, plastic chamber filled with growth medium. Filters with attached cells were placed either in the center of the chamber or close to the positive or negative electrode. Protein synthesis and DNA synthesis were monitored after stimulation using the radioactively labeled precursors, [3H]proline and [3H]thymidine, respectively. The major results obtained in this study are as follows: 1) the rates of both protein and DNA synthesis can be significantly increased by specific combinations of HVPGS voltage and pulse rate; 2) maximum stimulation of protein and DNA synthesis was obtained at 50 and 75 V, respectively, with a pulse rate of 100 pulses/s and the cells located near the negative electrode; and 3) exposure to HVPGS intensities greater than 250 V (at all pulse rates and locations within the chamber) is inhibitory for both protein and DNA synthesis. In view of the results obtained in preliminary clinical studies on the use of HVPGS for the treatment of dermal ulcers, it appears that similar voltages, pulse rates, and relative electrode location may be required for maximum acceleration of human skin wound healing.

Electrical Stimulation Technologies for Wound Healing

“…Exogenous currents delivered to wounds that are intended to mimic the physiological DC tissue currents have an order of magnitude that may be 1,000-1,000,000 times less than 1.0 A, which places them in the milliampere (mA) to microampere (lA) range. When a unidirectional DC or PC is delivered into a wound via electrodes, active cells that participate in the phases of healing (e.g., neutrophils, macrophage, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes) may migrate toward an anodal or cathodal polarized EF (electrotaxis) [5][6][7]9,10 or in the case of fibroblasts, they may be up-regulated to increase their rate of DNA synthesis. 7 …”

Biochemical and Biophysical Cues in Matrix Design for Chronic and Diabetic Wound Treatment

“…An external electrical stimulation aims to enhance the effect of naturally occurring electric fields on wound healing process. Electrical stimulation increased fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis both in vitro 193,194 and in vivo. 195,196 Moreover, electrical stimulation induced keratinocyte migration and differentiation in vitro.…”

Scarless Tissue Regeneration

“…Specific parameters of pulsed electric field increased the syntheses No pH or significant temperature changes were observed in these studies. 44 Activation of (Na+K+) ATPase by electric field and activated syntheses of ATP were analyzed in Ref. 45.…”