# ELECTRIC FIELDS ON METABOLISM OF A CHRONIC WOUND MODEL

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 1994 · $82,080

## Abstract

Among the patients treated by Rehabilitation Medicine are those with
decubitus and leg ulcers.  These have significant morbidity, mortality
and often are resistant to conventional treatment.  The efficacy of
electrotherapy is unsettled after decades of use and the possibility
remains that a natural source of electricity within wounds(i.e., the
"skin battery") may promote healing.

We propose to elaborate the observation that fibroblasts decrease protein
synthesis if exposed to electric fields comparable to endogenous fields.
For this purpose, human dermal fibroblasts in type I collagen dermal
"equivalent" matrices (DEM) are exposed to ionic currents.  Initial
results from our DEM model are promising.  They suggests an increase in
proliferation to electric fields of 20 mv/m, 10Hz.(p,01).  (Most often
synthesis and proliferation are reciprocal).

Employing the same model, we propose a comprehensive study of the
biochemical response of the DEM model to these electric fields.  We plan
radioisotope assays for DNA, proteoglycans, collagen, fibronectin and
collagenase.  Identifying the process most susceptible to electric
effect, we will survey response to amplitudes and frequencies within the
endogenous range.  If the skin battery is important to wound healing,
cells should be most sensitive at 1-10 Hz (i.e., down to 5-20 m/m).

Early after wounding, fibroblasts undergo fibroplasia, and synthesis of
proteoglycans and fibronectin.  Later, collagen synthesis and
neoangiogenisis peak.  We will investigate the biochemical response of
fibroblasts in DEM from 0 to 14 days after stimulation to see if these
biosynthetic transformations occur in vitro.  If they do, we will have
compelling evidence that the skin battery help mediates the response in
vivo.  Lastly, we will investigate electric effects on early
intracellular events that ultimately lead to proliferation and/or
synthesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194628
- **Project number:** 1K08HD001065-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GM1XX56LEP58
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT J GOLDMAN
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $82,080
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1994-07-01 → 1999-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194628

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194628, ELECTRIC FIELDS ON METABOLISM OF A CHRONIC WOUND MODEL (1K08HD001065-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194628. Licensed CC0.

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