The Effects of Electric Currents on ATP Generation, Protein Synthesis, and Membrane Transport

Summary: Research shows that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) levels increase with the application of microcurrent and diminish with millicurrent (Cheng 1982). The increase of ATP peaked at 500 microamps and decreased rapidly at higher current levels. Cheng also observed that aminoisobutyric acid uptake increased dramatically beginning at 10 microamps and inhibitory effects began at 750 microamps. The uptake of aminoisobutyric acid which is essential for protein synthesis and membrane transport, showed an increase of 30 - 40%.

Mechanism

During electro stimulation, proton gradients are created across the mitochondrial membrane. The current produces a gradient when electrons at the cathode react with water to form hydroxyl ions while producing protons at the anodic side. As a result a proton and voltage gradient are established across the intervening tissues between the electrodes. The influence of the electrical field and the proton concentration difference produce a proton current that moves from anode to cathode. As the migrating protons cross the mitochondrial membrane-bound H+ATPase, ATP is formed. The increased ATP production stimulates amino acid transport, and these two factors both contribute to increased protein synthesis.

(Cheng, 1982)

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