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J Reconstr Microsurg 1995; 11(3): 189-193
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006530
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Experimental Study Using a Direct Current Electrical Field to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Ninjiang Shen, Jiakai Zhu
  • Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Hainan Province, Haikou, People's Republic of China
  • Department of Microsurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Science, Guangzhou
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1994

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

A direct current (DC) electrical field was used to stimulate transected and sutured rat sciatic nerve. Electrophysiologic, morphometric, and functional assessments were carried out on days 10, 20, 30, and 60 postoperatively. The results showed that the electrophysiologic index, the diameter and myelin-sheath thickness of regenerating nerve fibers, the sciatic functional index (SFI), and the strength of the triceps surae muscle in the experimental group were much better than those in the control group. This indicated that DC electrical stimulation could effectively promote peripheral nerve regeneration and produce positive effects after 3 weeks, and that the stimulator was not rejected by the host for a relatively long period of time.

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