Effects of isolated continuous electrotherapy and with ascorbic acid on the morphological cell pattern of the epiphysis in rats

Introduction There is a scientific gap to be filled regarding information on isolated direct current and its use with ascorbic acid in animal and human models, as well as the direct and indirect action on tissues of the skeletal muscle system in formation, as in the case of growth epiphyses. given the long-standing use of electrotherapy techniques in human tissue. Objective To verify the influence of the application of isolated direct current and with ascorbic acid in growth epiphyses of Rattus norvergicus albinus (Wistar). Methodology There were photomicrographs of the growth epiphysis of femurs of Wistar rats, 24 clinically healthy, male, adult rats of the same lineage, weighing (250-300g) for approximately 16 to 20 weeks, grouped, kept in standard plastic cages, 3 animals each, controlled environmental conditions (luminosity 12h light/dark cycle at controlled temperature, fed with industrial feed, and water ad libitum. The groups contained 6 animals each, being: Group (IFSF)iontophoresis saline solution: Administered intra-articular injection in the left knee of Zymosan (Zy) (Sigma Chemical Co. ), followed by treatment with saline iontophoresis 1ml (SF), (galvanic current), (1 mA) milliampere for 10 min, after trichotomy and antisepsis of the back and left knee each site with an electrode, treatment 1 time/day for 10 days Group (IFAA) ascorbic acid iontophoresis: Administered intra-articular injection (Zy) in the left knee, followed by treatment receiving ascorbic acid (MERK®) by iontophoresis (galvanic current), the (1mA) for 10 min after trichotomy and antisepsis of the back and left knee, each site with an electrode at a concentration of 100mg/kg in 1ml (SF) for the knee electrode, once a day for 10 days. GSF) gavage saline solution: Administered intra-articular injection (Zy) in the left knee, followed by treatment receiving saline gavage, 1ml (SF) 1 time a day for 10 days Group (GAA) gavage ascorbic acid: Administered intra-articular injection (Zy) in the knee left, followed by treatment receiving ascorbic acid by gavage, at a concentration of 100mg/kg1 in 1ml (SF), 1 time / day for 10 days Group (C+): Administered intra-articular injection (Zy) in the left knee and without therapy Group (C -): no intervention. Approved by the Animal Ethics and Welfare Committee (CEBEA), protocol (015994-07). There was histological analysis: Bone-cartilage binary and cell count per area, the percentage of each was obtained and finally, the average of the data obtained was calculated. For cells per area, an area 500 micrometers wide by one inch below the epiphyseal line was selected for counting the chondrocytes within the highlighted part and averaging them. Results When the cartilage received electrical therapy, its morphology was altered, becoming denser due to the increase in the number of chondrocytes per area. Regarding the use of ascorbic acid, it had a positive influence on the studied tissue, improving its cellular quality, making the chondrocytes lined up in more symmetrical and ordered columns. there was a more accelerated mitosis because of iontophoresis and vitamin C, thus increasing the columns and their distribution along the axial axis of the bone, so apparently these growth epiphyses were “forced” to an early calcification. Conclusion Therefore, the electrical current aligned with ascorbic acid contributes to the formation of better bone tissue, however, at the expense of premature closure of the growth disc.