Effects of direct constant current (DC) on keratinocytes in vitro

This study tests the effects of direct constant electrical current (DC), proposed for wound healing stimulation, on epidermal repair in vitro. An in vitro model of human skin keratinocytes (epidermal explants) cultured at an air-liquid interface on a de-epidermized human dermis was used. Comparison of the extent of epidermal growth between pairs, where one member of the pair was exposed to DC while other was not, suggests that the applied DC did not increase epidermal growth (migration and proliferation of keratinocytes) nor influence its differentiation. An indirect effect of the DC application, manifested through changed pH in the vicinity of the anode, was found to significantly modify keratinocyte growth in that area.SCOPUS: ar.j