Abstract
Background and Objectives: Micro-amperage direct current (MADC) has been used for a long time to accelerate the wound healing. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of effectiveness of the MADC on skin wound healing, To do that, the comprehensive evaluation of the wound surface, mechanical properties, and histological findings of healing stages were studied.
Material and Methods: Fifty-one male guinea pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups: one control group and two treatmet groups (anodal and cathodal groups). A full thickness skin incision, with a length of 2.5 cm, was performed on the dorsum of each animal at a distance of 1 cm to spinous processes. A day after incision and up to 3 weeks, every second day, MADC with the relevant polarities was applied to the incision area. The wound surface and its mechanical properties were measured. Additionally, histological findings were studied.
Results: The wound surface area was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the cathodal and anodal groups, 17th and 15th days after incision, respectively, with respect to the control group. There was not a significant difference in the mechanical properties and collagen orientation between the three groups. The number of fibroblast cells and collagen density significantly increased (P<0.05) in the cathodal group compared to the control group on 3rd, 7th and 21st days after incision.
Conclusion: It appears that the anodal MADC, via the more attraction of the epithelial cells toward the wound site, may lead to the better closing of the wound surface.