Electric microcurrent in the restoration of the skin undergone a trichloroacetic acid peeling in rats

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of neuromuscular electric stimulation by microcurrent (MENS - Microcurrent Electric Neuromuscular Stimulation) in the restoration of the skin of rats undergone trichloroacetic acid (TCA). METHODS: Thirty-two hairless, male, adult rats were divided into two groups (with 16 animals each). In the Control Group (G1) the application of microcurrent was simulated 48 hours after the peeling. In the Experimental Group (G2) MENS was applied 48 hours after the TCA peeling, each 48 hours up to the Day 21, under the frequency of 0.5 Hz, intensity of 50mu A, and lasting 20 minutes. The area of the lesion was evaluated on Days 7, 14, and 21 after-peeling by the Paper Template Method, and on Day 21 the histological analysis was performed. RESULTS: On microscopy changes were seen in the fibroblasts amount and structure, and in the collagen of the experimental group, with statistically significant difference (p<0,01) CONCLUSION: MENS reduced the period of restoration of the area undergone TCA peeling in rats skin.

Laserterapia e microcorrente na cicatrização de queimadura em ratos: terapias associadas ou isoladas?

“…Using a microcurrent of 50 μA in the treatment of burn wounds in rats, Santos et al 5 observed a number of fibroblasts and collagen superior to that of the control group. With microcurrents of 300 μA for 30 minutes/day, Demir et al 15 , observed improvement in cell proliferation and maturation, which stimulated fibroblast growth.…”

“…The endothelial cells of micro-circulation present different behaviors when compared to macrovascular tissues, which suggests that each cellular type has a distinct disposition of receptors, and tolerance to different electric fields, contributing or not contributing to the activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor 28 . Even with the positive action of laser and microcurrent upon the healing process in the various model types, such as skin 1 , diabetic ulcers 6 , and temperature burns 5,16,24 , their associated use still deserves more discussion.…”

“…These resources accelerate the healing process, acting upon the sequence of physiological and biochemical events of this process through inflammation, collagen synthesis, formation of granulation tissue, and re-epithelization 1,2 . Through the analysis of cellular structures that are activated and/or inhibited by these resources, studies 2,4,5 performed on laboratory animals have contributed to the elucidation of which physiotherapy resources might promote a regenerative process of quality. The therapeutic effects have been attributed to the interaction between external energetic stimuli and the biological tissue (biostimulation), promoting an increase in cellular activities during the healing process.…”

“…The therapeutic effects have been attributed to the interaction between external energetic stimuli and the biological tissue (biostimulation), promoting an increase in cellular activities during the healing process. 5,6 Among the modalities used, the low-intensity laser therapy is highlighted [6][7][8] ; it shortens the time for remodeling, and improves the quality of the tissue in neoformation 1,6 . The basic biological mechanism promoted by this eletrophysical resource seems to be the absorption of red and infrared light by chromophores contained in the protein components of the respiratory chain located in the mitochondria, which, in turn, initiate a torrent of biochemical events upon absorbing energy, and this results in an increase of enzymatic activity, production of triphosphate adenosine, protein synthesis, cellular proliferation, deposition, and collagen organization [9][10] .…”

“…4 Physical therapist; Professor with Specialization at Universidade Estácio de Sá -Natal (RN), Brazil. 5 Doctor; PhD, professor at the post-graduate program in Health Sciences at UFRN -Natal (RN), Brazil. 6 Physical therapist; PhD, professor of Physical therapy at UFRN -Natal (RN), Brazil.…”