A team of scientists at the University of Cincinnati, OH, says that an electrical stimulus can promote the growth of blood vessels and help to speed healing in diabetic ulcers and other hard-to-heal chronic wounds. Their research examines the best stimulus parameters, such as frequency and magnitude, for successful therapy.
Naturally occurring cellular electricity is the key to how our bodies function, including wound healing. Externally applying low-amplitude electric fields manipulates the body’s naturally occurring electricity, allowing new vessels to form, and increasing blood supply to the wound.
The team discovered that high-frequency electrical stimulus, similar to that generated by cell phones and Wi-Fi networks, increased the growth of blood vessel networks by as much as 50 percent, while low-frequency electrical stimulus did not produce such an effect. As part of their work, the researchers developed a specialized antenna to apply the electrical signals to a localized wound. That design is now the subject of a provisional patent.
The high-frequency electrical stimulus is able to change the ionic environment surrounding the endothelial cells, which form the lining of blood vessels. Inside the cells, this stimulus can create links with proteins to activate pathway signals leading to growth in the capillary network. The high-frequency electrical stimulus also causes cells to produce chemicals called “growth factors” that help sustain growing vascular networks.
Electrical-based treatment of wounds could have profound advantages, and may replace or reduce the need for drug-based treatments. In addition, the therapy could be applied using a hand-held device without removing the wound dressing.
