Effects of pico-tesla electromagnetic field treatment on wound healing in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a pico-tesla electromagnetic field (PTEF) on healing of sutured and open skin wounds and clinicopathologic variables in rats.


METHODS
64 male Fischer-344 rats.


METHODS
An incision made in the dorsal aspect of the neck was sutured (n = 32) or left open to heal (32). In each group, 16 rats were not PTEF-treated (controls). Wound treatment consisted of exposure to a PTEF once daily. Rats in each group were euthanatized at days 2, 4, 7, and 14. Wounds were evaluated via tensiometry (sutured wounds), digital planimetry (open wounds), laser Doppler perfusion imaging, bacteriologic culture, and histologic examination. Blood samples were collected from all rats for analysis.


RESULTS
At day 14, sutured wounds in PTEF-treated rats were stronger (ultimate stress) and tougher (strain energy) than were sutured wounds in control rats. Open wounds in PTEF-treated rats contracted more quickly at days 2 and 4 than did those in control rats. Compared with control wounds, histologic changes (indicative of improved healing) in sutured and open wounds in PTEF-treated rats were detected as early as day 4. Laser Doppler perfusion measurements, results of CBCs, serum biochemical analyses, and bacteriologic cultures were not different between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to the PTEF caused no adverse effects on clinicopathologic, histologic, or bacteriologic variables tested in this study. It appears that PTEF is a safe form of adjuvant treatment for wounds and improves strength of sutured wounds and speeds contraction of open wounds.
Trostel
C Todd
CT
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, 39762-6100, USA.
McLaughlin
Ron M
RM
Lamberth
John G
JG
Cooper
Robert C
RC
Elder
Steven H
SH
Pool
Roy R
RR
Gao
Cheng
C
Cromiak
Joseph A
JA
Boyle
Carolyn R
CR
D000818:Animals; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*