LOW-LEVEL DIRECT-CURRENT - CELL-CULTURE FIBROBLAST MODEL

Influence of low level direct current (DC) on cell growth was studied on different cell culture models. V-79-379 A cells were treated with direct current (0.2-1.5 mA) for 1 h in cell suspension or in cell monolayer. DC was delivered through Pt-Ir electrodes: (i) in direct contact to the cell suspension; (ii) in direct contact with culture medium and cell monolayer in Demetri dish and (iii) indirectly in a Petri dish where electrodes were separated from the cell monolayer by two agar bridges. The effects of direct current immediately and 48 h after treatment on cell growth were evaluated by cell counting. The results indicate that the cytotoxic effect of DC was independent on whether the cells were treated in the suspension or in cell monolayer. Strong inhibitory effect on cell growth was diminished when DC was applied through agar bridges.