Effects of high voltage pulsed current stimulation with a visible contraction intensity on expression of TGF-β1 and synthesis of type I collagen in wound-induced white rats.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and type I collagen by applying high voltage pulsed current stimulation (HVPCS) with a visible contraction intensity to white rats with induced wounds. [Subjects] Thirty-six white rats were used for this study. HVPCS with a non-visible contraction intensity was applied to experimental group I, and HVPCS with a visible contraction intensity was applied to experimental group II. Placebo stimulation was applied to the control group. [Methods] After wounds were triggered, the intervention appropriate for each group was applied. Changes in the size of their wounds and expression of TGF- β1 and type I collagen were measured on the third, fifth, and seventh days. [Results] Comparison of the sizes of the wounds among the groups showed that the most significant decreases were found in experimental group II on the fifth and seventh days. TGF-β1 expression comparison revealed that experimental group II had the most expression on the fifth day. [Conclusion] HVPCS with a visible contraction intensity was effective in promoting wound healing by increasing expression of TGF-β1 and synthesis of type I collagen.