Bioelectric activity in the rabbit ear regeneration.

A 1-cm-diameter hole was punched through rabbits' ears. The surface potentials during wound healing of regenerating (normal) and partially and nonregenerating (decartilaged) ears were measured. The time sequence of these surface potentials were similar to those reported to occur in regenerating amphibians forelimbs. A small positive potential was observed for about 1 week, and this was followed by a larger negative potential of up to 20 mV, with different durations. The duration of the positive potential was about the same as which was observed in amphibians. The duration and the amplitude of the negative potential were greatest for completely regenerating ears with overgrowth, smaller for partially regenerating ears, and smallest for the nonregenerating ears. The surface potential was localized. If a nipple-shaped outgrowth developed after the hole was closed, the surface potential was observed only on this outgrowth; immediately outside it, the potential was normal. We concluded that the negative bioelectric activity accompanies growth, and while growth continues, negative bioelectric potential continues.