A Graphic Comparison Between the Current-Voltage Curves of an Electrochemical Generator and Living Unstressed Rabbit Tibia

Abstract

Unstressed living bone exhibits bioelectric potential differences along its surface. This electrogenic behavior has been characterized by a V=f(l) curve which is linear up to a certain limit. To better understand the origin and meaning of these potentials and to better describe this electrogenic behavior an electrochemical generator (a silver-oxide cell) was included, instead of bone, into the same measurement situation used to describe the V=f(I) curve of the rabbit tibia. The V=f(I) curve of the cell was graphically compared with the V=f(I) curve of the living unstressed rabbit tibia: the two curves were superimposable. This suggests that an electrochemical mechanism may be at the origin of the bioelectric potentials in unstressed living bone.