Measure of tissue resistivity in experimental electrical burns.

Studies were conducted in 14 mongrel dogs to compare resistivities in normal muscle with those from muscle subjected to electrical burns. One-ampere, 60-Hz currents were passed between the hind limbs of the dogs producing injury in three measurement regions of the gracilis muscle. Histology, heart rate, body temperature, arterial and pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output, hematocrit, leukocyte counts, fibrinogen levels, and platelet levels were determined. Muscle resistivity associated with severe tissue necrosis was 70% lower than control values. Resistivity in tissue showing edema and minimal necrosis decreased 20 to 40% from control values. Muscle showing only edema had a 10 to 30% decrease in resistivity.