Experimental study using a direct current electrical field to promote peripheral nerve regeneration.

A direct current (DC) electrical field was used to stimulate transected and sutured rat sciatic nerve. Electrophysiologic, morphometric, and functional assessments were carried out on days 10, 20, 30, and 60 postoperatively. The results showed that the electrophysiologic index, the diameter and myelin-sheath thickness of regenerating nerve fibers, the sciatic functional index (SFI), and the strength of the triceps surae muscle in the experimental group were much better than those in the control group. This indicated that DC electrical stimulation could effectively promote peripheral nerve regeneration and produce positive effects after 3 weeks, and that the stimulator was not rejected by the host for a relatively long period of time.