The Bioelectric Factors in Amphibian-Limb Regeneration

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Abstract
In salamanders and frogs, a steady state potential, measured as direct current potentials on the surface of the body, is defined as the bioelectric or direct current field. Limb amputation was immediately followed by a complete reversal of electrical polarity at the stump. During regenerative processes, the initial positive polarity fell, rose again, then fell and sustained negative potential until healing was complete. The voltage change sequence during healing of a fracture was the same as during limb regeneration. Administration of external current after limb amputation increased the size of the blastema and accelerated the rate of regeneration. The direct-current activity of some portion of the central nervous system constitutes a true data transmission and control system and one of the output parameters of the system is the control of the growth processes involved in regeneration and repair. The output portion of the direct current field system is related to a true closed loop created by the activity of cells. Less adequate healing processes as in the amputation stump of the adult frog, are the same as in man, and do not produce the specific sequence of potential changes that accompany regeneration of the extremity of the salamander.