An in vitro epiphyseal-plate model was subjected to various electrical
fields. At a voltage gradient of 1500 volts per centimeter, a consistent,
highly significant acceleration of growth of the epiphyseal plate occurred
as measured from photomacrographs and as indicated by incorporation of
45Ca, 35S, and 3H-thymidine. The growth acceleration was due to voltage
gradients and not to current flow. Although the mechanism of action of the
electrical field is not known, it is obvious that the voltage gradient,
either directly or indirectly, incites a physiological response of the
growth-plate chondrocyte.