Electrical stimulation of tissues has been studied for many years and found to have many uses i.e. pain management, antibacterial treatment, and wound healing. In vivo, it is known to stimulate epidermal migration and increase fibroblast cell proliferation. Here, we investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on the production of collagen, elastin, and collagenase in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. All three proteins are important for regeneration of wounded tissue and maintenance of healthy connective tissue. In our studies, human dermal fibroblasts were stimulated using square wave voltage pulses generated by either a potentiostat or a wave generator for a 24 h period. Collagen, elastin, and collagenase were quantified using ELISA and Sircol assays. The results suggest that electrical stimulation of human dermal fibroblast causes significant increase in production of collagen, elastin, and collagenase when compared to a control. The results also suggest that an increase in voltage applied to the cells correlates with an increase in concentration of collagen, elastin, and collagenase.

Electrical stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts and quantification of collagen, elastin, and collagenase

251st National Meeting (2016)

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