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Effects of Electrical Stimulation at Different Frequencies on Regeneration of Transected Peripheral Nerve

School of Post Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

Chien-Yi Ho, MS, MD

Laboratory of Biomaterials, Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

Sheng-Feng Hsu, MD, PhD

School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

Han-Chung Lee, MS, MD

Graduate Institute of Integration and Western Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Division of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan

Jia-Horng Lin, PhD

Laboratory of Fiber Application and Manufacturing, Graduated Institute of Textile Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung Taiwan

Chun-Hsu Yao, PhD

Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Material Science, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan

Yueh-Sheng Chen, PhD

Laboratory of Biomaterials, Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, yuehsc{at}mail.cmu.edu.tw

Background. Electrical stimulation of damaged peripheral nerve may aid regeneration. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 1 mA of percutaneous electrical stimulation at 1, 2, 20, or 200 Hz augments regeneration between the proximal and distal nerve stumps. Methods. A10-mm gap was made in rat sciatic nerve by suturing the stumps into silicone rubber tubes. A control group received no stimulation. Starting 1 week after transection, electrical stimulation was applied between the cathode placed at the distal stump and the anode at the proximal stump every other day for 6 weeks. Results. Higher frequency stimulation led to less regeneration compared to lower frequencies. Quantitative histology of the successfully regenerated nerves revealed that the groups receiving electrical treatment, especially at 2 Hz, had a more mature structure with a smaller cross-sectional area, more myelinated fibers, higher axon density, and higher ratio of blood vessel to total nerve area compared with the controls. Electrophysiology showed significantly shorter latency, longer duration, and faster conduction velocity. Conclusion. Electrical stimulation can have either a positive or negative impact on peripheral nerve regeneration. Clinical trials that combine stimulation with rehabilitation must determine the parameters that are most likely to be safe and effective.

Key Words: Peripheral nerve regeneration • Electrical stimulation.

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Vol. 22, No. 4, 367-373 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1545968307313507


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