Effect of high-voltage pulsed current and alternating current on macromolecular leakage in hamster cheek pouch microcirculation

Background and Purpose. Electrical stimulation (ES) is supposed to affect edema formation by inhibiting macromolecular leakage from microvessels. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of various forms of ES on macromolecular leakage from microvessels. Subjects. Fifty-three hamsters were randomly assigned to one of seven groups: a control group (histamine only); groups that received histamine with cathodal high- voltage pulsed current (HVPC) at intensities of 90%, 50%, and 10% of visible motor threshold (VMT); groups that received anodal HVPC at intensities of 90% and 50% of VMT; and a group that received alternating current (AC) at 90% of VMT. Methods. Anesthetized animals were injected with fluorescein-labeled dextran. Macromolecular leakage was determined by computer analysis of fluorescence microscopy images for 5 minutes after treatment. Results. When compared with controls, leakage was less in groups treated with cathodal VPC at 90% and 50% of VMT and anodal HVPC at 90% of VMT. Conclusion and Discussion. Cathodal and anodal HVPC, but not AC, curb macromolecular leakage from the microvessels of histamine-treated hamsters.