Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of local stimulation by direct electrical current on healing of surgically created nerve injuries in rabbits.

Materials & Methods: In the present study, ten clinically healthy white New Zealand rabbits of both sexes, 4 to 7 months old and weighing between 1000 to 1650 gr, were assigned randomly into 2 equal groups. The following schedule of experiments was designed for each individual group: Group 1) Sciatic nerve was crushed surgically in one limb and served as control; Group 2) Sciatic nerve was crushed surgically in one limb and treated for 4 weeks with direct electrical current (15 microA.) The animals were destroyed then and the crushed nerves were examined at the level of light microscope.

Results: Light microscopic changes in direct-current electrical stimulation group showed arrangement of Schwann cells bundles, which is comparable to their elementary proliferation in control group. Infiltration of inflammatory cells (macrophages were highly prominent) was also noted more extensively in contrast to the untreated group.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study direct-current (15 microA.) electrical stimulation applied on experimental nerve injuries for 4 weeks may promote the process of nerve healing in rabbits.