The currents will also di­
rectly interfere with cellular metabolism and modify 
structural elements of cells. Damage to structures, 
e.g., the DNA molecule, is evidently one possible 
effect of such modifications. Cells subjected to the 
conditions described can be expected to show variable 
abilities to survive and 10 adapt themselves to the new 
living conditions. Thereby a variety of possibilities 
should occur for the evolution of normal and patho­
logical populations of cells. A continuous selection of 
viable, reproducible cells, capable of adapting to envi­
ronmental factors, which are slowly changing over 
long time periods, might lead to the development of 
normal biological tissues. An endogenous activation of 
BCEC systems in this way should evidently represent 
· an important biogenetic function. The underlying 
mechanism can, however, also be anticipated to pro­
duce a variety of less viable and adaptable cells. Some 
of these cells may survive, leading to the development 
of benign or malignant rumours. In this vinu the devel­
opment of neoplastic tissue may depend on the same bio­
logic mechanism as the development of n()Tma/ tissue. A large variety of chemical, physical and biological 
factors can induce cancer. This capability is not sur­
prising. Many chemicals should have the capability to 
activate BCEC systems with different magnitud es of 
energies, either primarily by their own electro{phy­
sico-)chemical potentials or secondarily over a chronic 
injury polarization. It is therefore possible to under­
stand thatBCEC systems rm<kr certain circumsumces may 
funcJion as a common mechanism in carcinogenesis. F. Morphog enetic capacity of 
BCEC systems 
Formation of membranes and organ capsules 
The morphogenetic capacicy of BCEC systems should also be discussed briefly with regard to the development 
of mnnbranes and organ capsules. The proposed mecha­
nism anticipates that "fibrotic" material deposits on 
the surfaces of many organs, e.g., liver and kidney, as 
a result of their physicochemical polarization in rela­
tion to surrounding structures, such as the abdominal 
wall. In fact, cations and ·anions may deposit intermit­
tently on their surfaces as a function of normal ionic 
ebb and flow. An electric analogue to deposition of mate­
rial at the surfaces of electrodes then pertains. The tis· 
sues of the intraabdominal organs and the abdominal 
wall include the function of electrodes, the peritoneal 
fluid acts as the electrolyte, and the vessels to the 
organs act as insulated cables connecting the electrodes 
(Fig. XII: 20). Inside an organ, functional subunits 
must also polarize against each other. They, too, there­
fore must possess structural interfaces. For instance, 
the normal existence of fasciae between muscle bun· 
dies, basement mnnbranes or fibrous septa inside an 
organ in this view may indicate the presence of differ­
ences in time of activities or differences of function of 
adjacent tissues. The apposition of material between 
two adjoining tissues, e.g., two muscles, should con­
tinue until their internal current ceases (during mor­
phogenesis ), as is encountered in deposition of polar­
ization products on the surfaces of ordinary electrodes. The fibrous sheaths around the muscles will then serve 
as electrically insulating media. The insulating capac­
ity of the fibrous sheaths will balance exactly the 
physiologic demand potentials of the muscles. These 
considerations are examples of the suggested capability 
of BCEC systems to contribute to normal structural 
development. Furt.her logical consequences can be inferred from 
acceptance of the principle of BCEC systems. G. Physiological capacity 
of BCEC systems 
Physwlogical effects of BCEC systems can be predict· 
ed to exist. Thus, any closed electric circuit is not only 
capable of transporting charges. Various functional 
effects may take place by release or transformation of 
energy. Such reactions may occu.r at sites of change of 
density of current or as influences by triggering of 
"local" reactions. With this background it may be 
appropriate to give an example of the anticipated 
structure and function of a BCEC which contains duc­
tal conducting branches. In Fig. XVIII: Sa we have 
positioned two electrodes of metal in rubber bags, 
which are connected by a vessel containing a valve. One bag is filled with an acid, the other with a base. When the valve is open a current will, of course, flow 
through the circuit. The bulb may light, representing 
Principles and conseque nces of BCEC 327 a b 'I/ 
Ughting lamp- =-----~ tion of htgh current density 
,. ·~ Section of physiologic stimulation?=:::==-Fig. XV/ll: S. Suggested 
possible ime:raction between two 
org3ns o~er Vo. :x:ular -Ductal 
Closed Electric Circuits 
(VDCEC). For explanation , see 
text. Sugoested redox 
reaction s at vascular­
organ interphases 
a section in which the density of current is high. Fig. XVIII: 5 b represents a biological analogue of Fig. XVIII: 5 a. Two organs are shown, one containing 
base, the other acid. Valves are also included in the 
ductal part of tbe circuit, which is completed by vascu­
lar branches to the two organs. When the valves open, 
iortic transports will be induced in this closed circuit, 
which may give rise either to undesired or beneficial 
physiologic effects. Thus, after neurogenic triggering 
of acid production in organ I, an operting of valves I 
and II could induce functional activities in organ II 
over this vascular-ductal closed electric circuit. H. Acupuncture 
The peculiar old Chinese method of acupuncture may 
also relate to the BCEC principle. The author's ac­
quaintance with this method of healing by percutan­
eous insertions of ftne ·needles is mainly limited to 
information from periodicals and other literature ( 48, 
59, 90). Recent reports by scientifically trained, west· 
em physicians support the idea that acupuncture can 
not simply be dismissed as psychological hocus-pocus. Dcncficial effects arc reponed in many disorder$, ina 
eluding asthma, headache, insomrtia, and muscle and 
joint pains (59). Most dramatic are reports of major 
surgery, including thoracotomies and laparotomies , 
performed under anaesthesia by acupuncture. As long 
as no rational explanation for acupuncture is present­
ed, it is understandable that scientifically trained phy­
sicians may be reluctant to use or accept its tcch­
rtiques. The physiological mechanisms involved are 
328 Principles and consequences of BCEC probably too complex to be explained in a simple way. The concept presented in this volume that tissues 
polarizt and interconnect via biologically closed elec­
tric circuits does, however, offer the possibility of a 
rational approach toward understanding the mecha­
nism of acupuncture. Needles introduced under skin can level locally the 
electric potential of the subcutis. Different parts of 
this organ in dogs were found to differ in their local 
quantities of iortic charge (Chapter VI, page 53). Intro­
duced needles were found capable of levelling these 
differences. However, the levelling by needle was also 
shown to be reversible as an effect of spomaneous 
generation of charge. Prolonged levelling of many re­
gions in the subcutis can even markedly reduce subcu­
taneous potentials to a level at which tissue colloids 
will then precipitate (75). Such a prolonged and exten­
sive lowering of the electric potential of the subcutis 
may therefore be dangerous. The author had the opportunity to attend a demon­
stration of acupuncture anaesthesia at the Internation­
al Congress of Cardiology in Tokyo in 1977. Connec­
tions like those in the experiments of Chapter VI were 
used. A. grounded external wire connected the intro­
duced needles. One needle was introduced in the skin 
behind an ear and one in the subcutis of the back of 
the ipsilateral hand. "Stimulation of the ac-upuntture 
points" was then performed through a source of direct 
current connected with wires to the two needles. The 
subject reponed local sensation of anaesthesia. Appar­
ently separation of ionic charges had been induced 
between the needles in the electricall y interconnecting 
tissue, which should interfere with its normal func­
tion. Insertion of only one needle is also sometimes used •= redox reactions at metal surfaces 
Fig. XV/11:6. Acupuncrure : suggested basic mechanism is 
illustr.ned in Figs. XVIII: 6-8. Two adjoining muscles are separated electricaiJy by their 
fibrous fasciae. One muscle is injured locally. Secondary ef. fccts develop locaUy around the lesion, e.g., oedema and 
compression by blood clots (arrows). These effects interfere 
with the local VICC function of the injured muscle, restrict­
ing exchange of materials in the process of healing. A needle introduced through the skin and normal muscle 
into the injury wiU now create new closed circuits, in which 
the needle connects vascular and intcntitial channels in the 
injured region to corresponding channels in the normal mus­
cle. The new circuits enhance specifically the exchange of 
ions and transport of wate.r. The driving electromotive forces 
of the circuits derive from the differences of electric potential 
between the injured and normal tissues. Redox steps at met· 
in acupuncture therapy. The principles of BCEC and 
differences of electric potential in tissues also offer a 
possible rational explanation for the effects of single 
needle acupuncture, as follows: 
Electrophoretic transports may lead to the develop­
ment of muscular fasciae by depositing products of 
polarization on the surfaces of muscle bundles, form­
ing electricalay insulating sheaths. Fig. XVIII: 6 shows 
a locally injured muscle. The injury is healing slowly 
because avaibble vascular and interstitial channels are 
functioning inadequately , e.g., by thrombosis, oedema 
or compression by blood clnts. Such interferences ap­
ply to diffusion and electrical , matrix-mediated trans­
port of water and other ergons as well as to exchange of 
ions. The degrading processes of the injury supply the 
driving force for a VICC, but this energy potential is 
now inefficient. A metal needle introduced through 
normal tissues into the injury will create new path­
ways, more efficient than previousl y, for exchange of 
energy and material between the injured and normal 
tissues. This increased efficiency is possible because 
the needle connects in parallel all electrically func­
tioning vascular and interstitial branches around the aJ.electrolyte interfaces are indicated by x. The acupunctu· 
rist's characteristic twirling of the needle should improve 
flow of current through the circuits insofar as the twirling 
movements may loosen any material deposited on the surface 
of the needle. In case blood vessels arc unavaibblc for BCEC 
flow, the needle must penetrate normal tissue where inter· 
connecting lymphatic channels are available (possibly equal 
to an .. acupuncture meridian "). An additional way to influence the healing process may be 
to connect one pole of an electric battery to the needle in the 
lesion and the other pole to a needle placed in a "meri­
dian" (possibly a lymphatic-interstitial conducting branch) 
leading to the injured tissue. Closing of this circuit should 
then correspond to the acupuncturist 's "stimulation of the 
yin :and yang of a meridian''. injury. The exchange of material between the injured 
and surrounding tissues is thereby enhanced. To facilitate understanding of the proposed explana­
tion of acupunctu re, a self-driving system (Fig. XV111: 7 a-d) and a driven system (Fig. XVIII: 8) will 
be presented. In Fig. XVlll: 7 a, two metal electrodes (Cu and Zn) 
are inserted into an electrolyte in two rubber bags 
(corresponding to the fibrous, electrically insulatin.g 
fasciae of the muscles in Fig. XVIII: 6). The comems 
of the bags are connected by a communicating "ves­
sel". Short circuiting of the metals over a cable pro­
duces flow of electrons in the metallic part of the 
circuit and flow of ions in the electrolyte. The poten-. tial differences between the metal electrodes and the 
electrolyte create the driving force. In Fig. XVIII: 7 b, the ionic transportS are blocked, 
as by experimentally clamping the communicating ves­
sels. In Fig. XVIII: 7 c, a metal needle is introduced 
through the two rubber bags, restoring the transport 
of current in the closed circuit. Redox reactions in this 
case take place not only at the electrode-electrolyte 
interfaces but also at the needle-electrolyte interfaces. Principles and conseque nces of BCEC 329 a '' '­' b 
' ,,/ 
c ' 
Ele-ctron low No CUffent flow E*tron flow 
Cu n 
Communicating 
vettel Blocked 
communication · Short-cirCtJiting metal 
needle reatorH flow 
of current 
d 
• • redox reactions 
at metal-electrolyte 
interphases 
Electron flow in metal 
Capillary membt'anes 
+ Blocked vascular 
branches of VtCC 
(t.g. by arteriosderos is.. 
vascular contraction . compress ion by oedema 
or haematoma) 
Fig. XVIII: 7. Acupuncture: a self-driving electric system, 
representing the basic principle of the proposed mechanism 
of acupuncture. (a) An analogue of a BCEC system. The en­
ergy is delivered by the potential difference s across the met· 
al-elecrrolyte imerfaces and is channeli1.ed by two conduct­
ing branches. (b) One branch is blocked,leading to interrup­
tion of current flow. (c) The closed circuit is restored by the 
Fig. XVIII: 7 d more closely approaches conditions 
in vivo. The driving force is created by the tissue 
injury potential to the left in relation to the normal 
potential of the tissue to the right. Interstitia l spaces 
and lymphatics connecting the abnormal and normal 
regions join somewhere, corresponding to the external 
cables of Fig. XVIII: 7 a-c. Some of these interstitial 
spaces and lymphatics constitute what is probably a 
preferential pathway for ions, corresponding to what 
in acupuncture is called a "meridian". Blood vessels 
(with their conducting blood plasma and insulating 
vessel walls) connect both regions of tissue, but are 
blocked. This prevents closing of the eloctric circuit. Fig. XVIII: 7 d indicates the vascular block, e.g., by 
arteriosclerosis, contractions of the vessel, or external 
compression by a haematoma or oedema. After a nee-
330 Principles and consequences of BCEC ' ' ' . \ Normal 
.tiuue 
' \ (;, . Preferential conducting 
pathways (acupunctur iat•s 
""meridiant"') ovet interstitial ~ 
lymphatic branches of 
the VICC 
The needle short circuits 
the polarizing injured and 
normal tlaauea and permits 
ions to flow over lnttrttitial 
and lymphatic branches , 
thereby enhancing healing 
introduction of an "acupuncture needle". Now redox reac­
tions take place at the needle-electrolyte interfaces (x) in ad­
dition to reactions at the electrode-e lectrolyte interfaces (not 
indicated in the figure). (If) A model more close to biologic 
conditions than a-c. The circuit is here activated by fluctuat­
ing potential differences between an injured tissue and nor­
mal tissue. die is inserted through the normal muscle into the 
injured muscle, it is easy to understand that closed 
circuit ionic transports are restored over the conduct­
ing "meridian", resulting in an enhancement of the 
healing process. The restoration of this self-driving 
system for ionic transport represents a remarkab ly 
simple f9rrn of therapy explainable by the principle of 
BCEC. A more powerful but less "physiologic" principle is 
represented by the driven system. It does, however, 
contain many possibilities still unexplored, particular ­
ly apparent in the context of contemporary knowledge 
of electrochemistry and electronic technology. The general principle of the driven system is illus­
trated in Fig. XVIII: 8. The principle, which may be 
applied in any organ or tissue, is that two needle Fig. XV!ll:8. Acupuncture: a driven electrieal system is 
created by an external electric power source connecting nee~ 
dies in Tissues I and II. Current flow is induced over parallel 
vascular-interstitial branches or accessory BCEC branches, 
such as ductal channels. The conducting media include 
blood, intraductal scccctions, and pleural, peritoneal , cere· 
brospinal and interstitial fluids. Self-driving and driven sys­
tems should interfefe with tissue metabolism and nervous 
regulation of tissue functions. Associated metabolic modifi­
cations and levellings of tissue potentials may explain medi­
cal effects of acupuncture. electrodes connected to an external source of electric 
power c.an promote or counteract spontaneous polar· 
izationof the two needled regions of tissue. This sys· 
tern permits the driving of ions and ergons (e.g., water) 
in normal as well as in pathological tissues. The mode of 
driving the system can be tailored for different pur­
poses. The major practical problem of how best to do 
it is still unsolved. The total amount of ionic trans· 
ports can be varied ad libitum. Electrodes can be 
positioned in any branch of the closed circuit, includ­
ing in what are here called accessory BCEC branches 
(e.g., ducts containing secretions, which are electrical­
ly conducting), which in Fig. XVIII: 8 are coupled in 
parallel with VICC (vascular-interstitial closed circuit) 
branches. In order to fmd such accessory BCEC branches and 
to understand their function, we must ftrst look for 
different tissue components of relatively low electric 
conductivity (Table XVIII: I) and of relatively high 
conductivity (Table XVIII: 2). Given this rough separation, which is based on known 
values of conductivity (Chapter XU), we may recog· 
niu tentatively in organs those structural components 
which possess the capability of creating preferential 
pathways for closed circuit ionic transports. These 
preferential pathways connect organs and also regions 
and cells of organs. Table XVIII: 3 is therefore delib­
erately incomplete. Of the various components listed, each wiU function 
when at least one single branch of the circuit is vascu­
lar. To date, only single components ("x") or combi­
nations ("xx") of arteries, veins and interstitial chan­
nels have been studied so far, as indicated in Table 
XVIII: 3. Considering acupuncture as principally a way to ' ' ' ' 
' ' Tissue I .---________ ...... : lflssuert 
;'; Accessory BCEC branches~ . _;= .. --... ------... __ ~'. I 
• i 
+ 
l·l+~r-i _...-
External electric p.ower source 
create or enhance closed circuit transports in tissue, 
other phenomena, hitherto unexplained , may also be­
come understood. Local 311aesthcsia in acupuncture, 
for example, may be induced as a levelling of the 
electric potential of a tissue. ln either a self-driving or 
a driven system, anaesthesia follows local changes in 
metabolism, including nervous tissue elements. Simple electrotecbnical analogues imply that a local 
Table X VIIJ: l. Tissues and tissue compot~C~ts with electrically 
"relatively good inJU/ating propern·esu 
Matrix of ceU membranes 
Fibrous tissue 
Adipose tissue 
Hyalin 
Air 
Matrix of bone 
Vessel walls (except capillartes ) 
WaJis of glandular ducts? Walls of tubular shape, e.g., gasuoinu:stinal and urogenital canab? Table XVIII: 2. Bwlogical materials of "relatiwly good e<m· 
ductivity" 
lntracdlular fluid 
Interstitial fluid 
Blood plasma 
Thrombi 
Secretions 
Peritoneal and pleural fluid 
Cerebrospinal fluid 
O:tmponents providing electrical conduction of ner\'eS 
lmraarticular fluid 
Urine, gastrointeS-tinal contents 
Dqrading tissues 
Principles and consequences of BCEC 331 Table XVIII: 3. Structural comf!OIUnlS with anlicipaud capability w /omt pathways of BCEC systems 
(x) indicates components , (xx) combination of coms»nents gi\•cn preliminary exploration in this s1udy 
Interstitial 
spaces 
Lymph ve=ls 
Arteries 
Vtins 
Ducts of glands 
Tubes (e.g., gastro­
intestinal, uro­
senital) 
Bodily cavities 
Cerebros.pinal 
spacn 
Ner\'es (axons) Inter-
stitiaJ 
spa«S 
X 
XX 
XX 
sec tat Lymph 
vessels An cries Veins 
XX XX 
X XX 
XX X 
decrease or increase of transported current may give 
rise to undesired as well as useful effects. A local 
change in density of current anywhere in a biologically 
closed circuit might lead to anaesthes ia, or produce 
pain or other undesired effects far away from the site 
of the driving foroe for the closed circuit transports. Clinical considerations which can not simply be under­
stood by the known and accepted mechanism of re­
ferred pain might be explained in this way. For exam­
ple, degenerative alterations in the cervical spine may 
not only give rise to pain in the distribution of an 
affected nerve but also to symptoms of local peripheral 
injury associated with pain, e.g., tenderness to local 
palpation or active contraction of a muscle or muscles 
(17). I. Vesicles in the transmission 
of nervous impulses 
Impulses in nerves represent a particular type of 
BCEC transport. Thus, closed circuit connections are 
described between axons and interstitial fluid outside 
the insulating membrane over Ranvier's nodes (76). Other axonal connections may also be considered. ln 
Chapters Xll and XIII, theoretical and experimental 
analogues have been presented for the formation and 
transport of vesicles in endothelial cells. This view 
may also be applied to dosed circuit electric transport 
in nerves and various anticipated communicating outer 
BCEC branches. Vesicles, which are produced at syn­
aptic stimulation may then represent microergonars or 
microergionars as a consequence of electrode reactions 
at nerve-end -plates. The material of vesicles (consist­
ing of an anticipated inactive transmitter precursor) 
can then be transferred as an electrogenic, matrix-
332 Principles and consequences of BCEC ~rebro-
Jlodjly spinal Nerves 
Ducts Tubes cavities spaces (uons) 
see tat 
mediated transport or, in the case the precursor is 
ionic, be transported as hydrated cationic com­
pounds (electropositively charged microergionars ) to a 
second site of electrode reaction leading to the release 
of the active transmitter substance. Evidently , a con­
tinuation of the second, "outer, circuit branch (which 
may be, e.g., vascular as well as interstitial ) has yet to 
be identified. This theory of an electrogenic development and 
transport of an ergonic or ergionic vesicular content 
for transmission of nerve impulses may be compared 
with current views on the action of hormones . Thus, 
hormones are produced in a source organ and trans­
ported in an inactive state as the first messenger to a 
target organ. There, the hormone exerts its specific 
effects in an activated state over the machinery of the 
second messenger, as described by Sutherland (91). Compare also the transport of oxygen in a protected 
ergonic state bound to haemoglobi n during transport 
in the blood stream and bound to myoglobin in muscle 
(Chapter XIII, page 155). J. Oral galvanism 
After the introduction of amalgams as dental filling 
materials over 100 years ago, the possible development 
of galvanic currents in the oral cavity has been dis­
cussed from time to time. The symptoms of burning 
mouth, oral pain or smart, and a taste of metal or salt 
(18, 92) have been referred to as oral galvanism. The secondary phenomena of oral corrosive pro­
cesses have also been discussed in terms of local and 
general biologic reactions (3, 4, 8, 15, 22, 23, 33, 34, 
35, 37' 44, 55, 60, 61' 62, 68, 69, 74, 78, 80, 81, 82, 
83, 85, 86, 87, 93). Many attempts have been made to 
explain the symptoms as caused by electrochemical interaction of metals in the saliva (18, 23, 31, 42, 44, 
49, 60, 68, 93). Galvanic currents in the oral cavity 
have been assumed to develop between relatively ano­
dic and cathodic parts of one metal or on contact 
between two different restorations and the saliva. As a 
result of corrosion, different metals or metallic com­
pounds should then appear in the saliva (11, 12, 31, 
32, 36, 42, 63, 65, 66, 67, 94) or in the tissues adjacent 
to amalgam fillings (32, 36, 38, 39, 47, 78, 82, 94). A 
large number of in vivo studies have been performed 
of electric potentials between different dental restora­
tions (for references, see Nilner, 1981). Different sur­
faces of a restoration may present different degrees of 
polarization, indicating inhomogeneity of the material 
(11, 12, 47, 49, 51, 56, 65). Potential differences 
between different restorative materials may gave rise 
tO estimated galvanic currents of a magnitude of 1-36 
pA (65). It has been judged that values above 5 pA 
could possibly explain clinically apparent galvanism. Surprisingly, however, some of the highest values of 
galvanic current measured were found in a control 
group of patients without symptoms. In a study of 
dissolving Ag, Ca, Hg, Sn and Zn in the saliva, no 
significant differences could be found between pa­
tients with symptoms and patients without symptoms 
in different control groups (65). Studies of this type 
are imponant and informative , but illustrate also clear­
ly that the mechanism of oral galvanism is still in many 
respects unexplained . The possibility of overlying psy­
chological factors has been suggested (38, 39). Neuro· 
toxic effects by retrograde axonal transpons of dis· 
solved metal (41) have also been suggested. The 
mechanism of retrograde axonal transports (30, 84) is 
also not very well understood . All explanations of oral 
galvanism have been based on the assumption that an 
intraoral closed circuit is created when two metals of 
different electric potential make direct metal-to-metal 
"electronic " contact (for example, via a silver spoon). The "outer" part of the circuit is created by the 
electrically conducting saliva. Anodic dissolutio n of 
metal will then take place and may in some way pro­
duce symptoms . One might then expect that the 
amounts of dissolved metal in the saliva would corre· 
late with the symptoms of oral galvanism, but no such 
results have been found. Some of the largest amounts 
of intraoral galvanic currents were even found in pa­
tients without symptoms of galvanism (65). The princi pie of BCEC may overcome this dilemma 
(see also the description of in vivo corrosion , Chapter 
XII, page 112). As indicated in Fig. XVIII: 8, differ­
ent branches of BCEC systems may combine with "ac­
cessory" or "temporary" conducting biological chan­
nels or materials. Thus, in oral galvanism the intraoral 
ionic conducting branch, formed over the saliva be­
tween two electron conductors, may combine with one 
or several parallel-coupled, biologi•al conducting branches in surrounding tissues. These branches, for 
instance, may be represented by blood vessels and 
interstitial channels. Such a circuit is outlined in prin­
ciple in Fig. XVIII: 9a. Its different components re­
present a set of individua l variables. A galvanic current 
through the circuit can now develop between metals of 
different electric potential even when these metals are 
separated by a distance. No direct contact, such as 
over a silver spoon, is therefore necessary . The inter­
connecting branch between the metals is created by 
the saliva. "Injury reactions" at the interfaces between the 
gingiva or root canals and the restoration metals pro­
vide connections to BCEC channels in the tissues. The 
"injury reactions" include many different processes 
which lead to ionization and separation of charges. Examples of such processes are local infection, degrad­
ing of tissue or foreign material in the gingival pock· 
ets, vascular thrombosis, and local toxic effects of 
dissolved metal from the restorations (from so-called 
general corrosion). Each of these processes should lead 
to closing of the intraoral and the vascular-interstitial 
channels of the circuit. Coinciding "injury reactions" 
at two metal-tissue interfaces combined with two met­
al-saliva interfaces should be sufficient to estabJish a 
galvanic current. This system may then be recognized 
to contain a minimum of four redox sites. The driving electromotive force of this system need 
not necessariJy be found in the potential difference 
between relatively anodic and cathodic parts of the 
metals. Locally degrading processes (injury potentials ) 
adjacent to the metals may also drive the system (see 
Chapter XII, :•complicated CQrrosion" , page 115). Periodontitis or chronic periodontosis of different ori­
gins, leading to focal toxic or infectious injuries in the 
gingival pockets, should be able to induce transpon of 
electric current in the described BCEC without the 
presence of any metal. The driving electromotive force 
in such systems may depend on differences in age of 
two polarizing processes in the circuit (Fig. XVIII: 1). In the case of healthy (noninjured ) tissue adjacent to 
the metals, the biologic circuit is interrupted . Conse­
quently, no current will flow even if the potential 
difference between the two metals is relatively "large", 
as was the case in the control subjects reponed by 
Bergman , Ginstrup and Nilner (12). The concept of 
BCEC makes it therefore possible to explain the seem· 
ing inconsistencies between clinical galvanism on one 
hand and the measured electric potential differences 
between intraoral metals and amount of dissolved met­
als in the saliva on the other. Fig. XVIII: 9 b illustrates some of the possible bio­
logic reactions adjacent to one of the panicipating 
metals of the closed circuit. Thus, redox reactions will 
take place at one interface against the saliva and at one 
against the injured tissue. Metal ions may dissolve 
Principles and consequences of BCEC 333 a 
b ~\)ct\ng saliva 
cof' 
Fig. XV Ill: 9. Suggested explanation of oral galvanism . (a) So.called general corros-ion slowly di~M ives metal ions, 
which spread into adjoining tiss·ues and saliva. Toxic injuries 
induce ionization of tissue. Metals I and II become joined 
electrically , "externally " by the saliva and "internally" by 
preferential biologic pathways for current, e.g., vascular and 
interstitial BCEC branches. A minimum of four redox sites is 
included in the closed circuit. Differences of potential of 
metal may deliver the electromotive force. (b) The driving 
force of the closed circuit does not necessarilr depend on dif-
when the metal is relatively anodic. Production of 
cathodic alkalinity and anodic acidity will influence 
metabolic reactions. Normal and pathological metabol­
ic products will undergo e.lectropho retic transports. Direct current stimulation of nerve end-plates may 
directly or indirectly produce pain. Thus, severa.l tis­
sue hormones, e.g., substance P, histamine, serotonin 
and prostaglandins are known to be involved in in­
flammatory reactions (14, 70, %) and may be distri­
buted electrophoretically by the activated closed cir­
cuit. 334 Principles and consequences of BCEC ferences of potential between two filling materials. A slow 
dissolving ofmeral, as in general tOrt'O$.ion, may induce roxie 
changes in tissue. These changes may initiate electric con­
duction between metal and vascu.lar-inte:rstitia.l channels and 
deliver a fluctuating electromotive force. Tissue injuries ad· 
jacent to two separate fillings are necessary for closing of the 
circuit. Injury is enhanced as current flow leads 10 liberation 
of tissue hormones, which spread by diffusion, migration in 
the electric fie.ld, tissue convection and possibly as retro· 
grade axonal transports. For funber explanation , see text. If this proposed explanation of oral galvanism is 
correct, the conclusion can then be reached that the 
different causes leading to connection of BCEC 
branches of the dosed circuit are the crucial targets for 
therapy. One of the difficult causes to treat is then 
probably the "allergic" reactions of tissue to metals in 
certain individuals. These reactions may even develop 
slowly, as in general corrosion at a tissue-meta l inter­
face. When the injury reaction is caused by superim­
posed infection, the condition should be fairly accessi­
ble to successful treatment. K. BCEC systems as receptors 
for moving external electro­
magnetic fields 
BCEC sySiems may also represeru an nnporta11t link 
between the external a11d internal electric cmvirQ>cmenlS of 
an orga11ism. An abundance of direct and indirect evi­
dence nowadays exists about environmcnt.al influence 
of electromag netic fields (5, 21, 48) on different bio­
logical systems, i.e., plants (7), simple cellular organ­
isms (6, 16), animals and man (48). Strong, moving 
electromagnetic fields do appear in connection with 
changes of weather conditions and particularly in cer­
tain areas of the world. Thus, the Fohn and the Siroc­
co winds in Europe are notorious for causing different 
biologic effects, i.e., headache , hemicran ia, epileptic 
fits, asthma, thromboembo lism and joinl pain (48). Even the rate of traffic accidents is related statistically 
to these atmospheric disturbance s (95). In experiments 
with mice it has been shown (88) that 50 Hz alternat­
ing fields can be lethal to the animals at sufficiently 
high intensities. Thus, an exposure of 650 kV/m at 
50-500Hz during 60-120 minutes gave a mortality of 
70%-90%. Associated problems are complex. Beneficial effects 
of electric fields have been reported. The effect of a 
II 0 V, 60 Hz "household current" on the develop­
ment of mice (58) showed that mice exposed continu­
ously to the field at about I k V /m over one month 
gained weight more rapidly than the controls. Recent­
ly collected data on the possible influences of external 
man-made and natural electromagnetic fields ( 48) 
strongly indicate the importance of environmental 
electromagnetism in biology. This source of informa­
tion summarizes the probable minimum safe distance 
from the path of three-phase high-voltage transmission 
lines as shown in Table XVIII: 4. Natural electromag ­
netic fields of different wavelength and strength are 
always present in the biosphere (2). These fields, like 
backgrou nd radiation, probably should be regarded as 
factors partly responsib le for the way biological StrUC· 
tures have developed. Nevertheless , situations defined 
by excessive influence of any one of the natural com­
ponents which create our environment may lead tem­
porarily to noticeable disturbances (48). This general­
ization appears also to hold for changes of our external 
electric environment. Normal electromagnetic frequencies cncQuntercd in 
the biosphere range from ultralow frequencies (ULF 
= below I Hz) over the whole spectrum of increasing 
frequencies to cosmic ultraradiation ( 48). All of these 
frequencies are natural and therefore likely to be of 
importance in some way for biology. The U LF, ELF 
(extremely low frequencies up to 300 Hz;) and VLF 
25-814586 Nordinstfflm TabJe XVIII: 4. Minimum StJfe diJtances from the unur liM of 
high-wlcage tran.smu.Wn lines (48) 
Operating 
voltage 
380kV 
220 kV 
IOOkV 
SO kV Distance from the right-of-way 
Field 
intensity 
<SO VIm 
(undoubtedly 
safe) 
180-2SO m 
140-180 m 
80-120 m 
S0-70 m Field 
inu:nsit'Y 
<ISO VIm 
(probably 
safe) 
100-I.W m 
75-90 m 
45-60 m 
34-4S m Field 
intens.iry 
<S kVIm 
(prolnbly 
dangerou s) 
IS-20m 
(towtr height 
>SOm) 
6-IOm 
(tower height 
>30m) 
(very low frequencies up to 300kHz) are the most easy 
to regard as influencing biologic functions because 
normal bioelectrical events often take place in these 
frequency regions (10). Striking similarities can, for 
example, be found between alpha and delta waves of 
human EEG records and some of the natural electro­
magnetic waves in our environment (l ). It is therefore 
understandable why certain biologic reactions are sus­
pected to be induced by strong manmade or natural 
electric fields. These should then in some way induce 
interferenc es with the electric events of the nervous 
system. The mechanism of interference is, however, 
still unknown. From a physical point of view, the existence of 
closed circuit pathways for current in a biologic medi­
um provides a prerequisite for the development of 
induction currents when such systems are exposed to 
varying external electromagnetic fields. An acceptance 
of BCEC systems leads to the necesS01)' conclusion that 
these systems should act as receptors for moving external 
electromagnetic fields. As indicated earlier (Table 
XVlll: 3), different combinations of closed circuit 
branches may create BCEC systems. Axonal transports 
as part of a closed circuit mechanism, yet to be ex­
plored, might constitute a primary target for induction 
of current. The need for nutritional supply to nervous 
tissue by vascular-interstitia l transports makes it, how­
ever, also possible to explain interferences of nervous 
functions by moving electromagnetjc fields, as a secon­
dary effect from induction of currents in VICC 
branches. Arterioles and arterial capillaries were also 
found to react selectively with contractions in scattered 
regions of dog mesentery exposed to electric fields 
(Chapter XII). The often expressed assumption that 
the pericyte apparatus of capillaries are likely to be 
involved in the mechanism of capillary contractions 
Principles and consequences of BCEC 335 Table XVIII: S. Ptnetrarion depth in em (auenuotion to 1/e) of Aigh-freq~W~cy ekctromagnetic '""""'in various tissues or typical 
frequency wluet. Afttr Pmman (73) 
Frequency ( MHz) 
Tissue 100 200 400 I 000 3 000 10 000 24 000 35 000 
Thin bone 22.90 20.66 18.73 11.90 9.924 0.34 0.145 0.073 
Bnin 3.56 4.132 2.072 
Lens of eye 9.42 4.39 4.23 
Living body 2.17 1.69 1.41 
Far 20.45 12.53 8.52 
Muscle 3.451 2.32 1.84 
Whole blood 2.86 2. IS 1.787 
Skin 3.765 2.78 2.18 
now comes into the picture. Their scattered presence 
in capillary walls indicates that they may be involved 
in the mechanism of field induced regional capillary 
contractions. Values for the depth of penetration of high-frequen­
cy electromagnetic waves (73) arc presented in Table 
XVIII: 5. In this Table the depth of penetration refers 
to the depth in the material at which the amplitude of 
the wave bas fallen to the 1/e part of tbe initial ampli­
tude (e=2.72, the base of the natural logarithm). The penetration of electromagnetic waves increases 
with decreasing frequency . The penetration of ULF, 
ELF and VLF waves in biologic material is therefore 
of considerable interest (53). Shielding of an electric 
field is usually obtained by means of a device such as a 
Faraday cage. An irregular or slowly varying magnetic 
field is far more penetrating and requires shielding 
especially made for magnetic fields. Some relative val­
ues of shielding efficiency of various objects to electric 
and magnetic fields at 10kHz frequency (52) appear in 
Table XVIII: 6. Table XV Ill: 6. Shielding efficiency of various objeas with 
mpm to an elmric (E) and magnttic (H) field. Nt<r Ludwiz 
(50) 
Object 
Faraday eage (r=50 em), 
mesh wire of iron material 
(d=O. I em), mesh size 3 em 
Faraday cage as above, 
mesh size 0.3 em 
Volkswagen 
Shect·iron garage 
Stttl bungalow 
Steel-reinforced t:onc:rete bunker 
(wall thickness 60 em) 
Sleeping bag with copper Linjng E,IE, (%) H,/H,(%) 
o.s 65 
<0.1 10 
1.0 so 
<0.1 50 
<0.1 8 
<<0.1 0.1 
<0.1 90 
336 Principles and consequences of BCEC 1.933 0.476 0.168 0.075 0.0378 
2.915 0.500 0.174 0.0706 0.0378 
1.23 O.S35 0.195 0.045 0.0314 
6.42 2.45 1.1 0.342 
1.456 0.314 
1.40 0.78 0.148 0.0598 0.0272 
1.638 0.646 0.189 0.0722 
These considerations on possible interactions be­
tween moving external electric and magnetic fields and 
BCEC systems conclude this book. Concluding remarks 
The author has attempted several times to prepare the 
information of this book as a series of separate articles. Tbese attempts bave, to a large extent, been discourag­
ing. One reason is that working nowadays across estab­
lished specialities is extremely difficult, not to say 
dangerous . Each section is in itself probably of limited 
interest. Only when the different pieces of information 
are put together do the contours of an important bio­
logic mechanism become evident. Thus, the main pur­
pose of this book is to introduce the concept of biologi­
cally closed electric circuits (BCEC) and some exam­
ples of their functional and morphogenetic role in 
normal and pathological conditions. BCEC systems 
should be regarded as an additional circulatory syst~m 
for selective transports and modulation of biochemical 
reactions within the circuits. Of necessity, this book is 
presented as a survey of the seemingly simple principle 
of BCEC systems. The principle, nevertheless, is capa­
ble of offering new possibilities toward explaining bio­
logic problems. Even some conditions which from a 
traditional medical standpoint have been regarded as 
more or less obscure may be explained. The existence 
of preferential pathways for closed circuit transports in 
tissue leads to further logical conseque nces which have 
been only slightly suggested in this book. It is the hope of the author that the material present­
ed will encourage scientis~s of different specialities to 
continue this work. The various aspects of BCEC 
systems will require interdisciplinary cooperation if 
improved and truly deep understanding of its manifold 
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.,.,._,..,. , Amu<nlam , North Holland Publ. Co., 1967, p. 
17. 99. Yuud.a, 1.: Mecbanical and dectncal e~IJus. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sd. 238:457. 1974. GLOSSARY 
As a multidisciplinary work, this volume ':ontains a broad 
vocabulary. This glossary i• designed specifically to define 
the terms used in this book, including basic vocabulary 
which may be outside any particular reader' s areas of exper­
tise. This glossary has been prepared by john H. M. Austin, 
M.D., in association with the author. * New term, introduced by the author. Abbreviations : 
adj. adjective 
Anat. anatomy 
Bioi. biology 
Chem. chentistry 
Elec. electric term 
L. Latin 
Med. medicine 
absorption coe/fi­
cienl, n. 
/.U6tylcholinll , n. 
adenocarcinoma, n. 
adenoid, adj. adenoma, n. 
adenosis, n. 
adrenal glands, n. 
adventitia, n. 
allny ~ n. 
alwolus, n. 
(-li, pl.) omniOlicfluid, n. 
amyloid, n. n. noun 
Phys. physics 
pl. plural 
Radio/. radiology 
!ing. singular 
T. verb 
Radio/. A numerica l measure of a 
moterial's ability to block the pas­
sage of x-rays through it, expressed 
as the ratio of the quantity of exit­
ing x-rays to the quantity of emer­
ing x-rays. Chtm. A choline esaer which gener­
ates biologic actions. MeJ. Epithelia l cancer characterized 
by gland like organizat ion of cells. Med. Glandlike. MeJ. An epithelial neoplasm of 
gb,ndlike structure, usually benign. Mcd. Theformation of glands or 
glandtike structures . An<t. l'aired ductless glands adjacent 
to the kidneys. The adrenal glands 
produce hormones which regulate 
metabolic functions ~ e.g., water, 
glucose and electrolyte balance, as 
well as hormones, e.g., epincph· 
rine, which evoke cardio,•ascular 
pressure responses. A nat. The outer layer of a vessel. f:hem. A suhstance h:lVing metallic 
propc-nies and compOSed of two or 
more c.hcmical clements of which at 
le.ast one is an elemental metal. Anct. Any one of the air sacs in the 
human lungs.-alveolar, adj. Ancl. Serous intrauterine fluid in 
which an embryo or fetus is im· 
mersed. Med. Abnormal, pOlymerized, in­
so:uble proteins or protein-pol ysac­
charide complexes of characteristic 
fibrillar structure. anaphorttiJ, n. 
anaplauic, adj. angio&~n ~sis, n. 
angiography , n. 
anion, n. 
anode, n. 
anoxic, adj. ante.n'or, adj. anterolateral , adj. anteroposcnior , adj. Elec. Movement of colloid particles 
toward the anode in an electric 
field.-anaphorttic , adj. Mtd. Characterized by lack of struc­
tural and functional differentiation. Descriptive of neoplasms whic-h 
tend clinically to be rapidly pro­
gressh•e. Bi<JI. Formation of vcssc.ls. Radio/. Study of the lumens of blood 
vessels by the intravascular injec­
tion of a contrast medium. -angio­
graphic, adj. Phys. A negatively charged ion.-an­
ionic, adj. Elec. Positive e-lectric pole.-anodic, 
adj. Chem. I. Without oxygen. 2. Char­
acterized by levels of oxygen too 
low to sustain physiolog ic function. Anat. l'enaining to the front. Oppo­
site of posterior . A nat. Anterior and lateral. Radio/. Referring to the direction of 
movement of the x·ray beam 
through the subject, i.e., from an-
tcrior to posterior, 
apatite, n. Chem. A complex mineral containing 
calcium+magncsium phosphate 
and variable amounts of organic 
materials . apex, n. Anal. The top or highest point.-
apical, adj.-apices, pl. *arches and archadts, n. Radio/. Strucrural elements, which 
have developed under the influence 
of an inhomogeneou s electric field 
at the imerphase between "A'' and 
art.ola, n. 
*arteriocapil· 
/aries, n. 
arteriole, n. 
arteriovenous, adj. "6"-z.one. A nat. I. A circular region of differ­
ent colour from a central structure 
which it surrounds. 2. The dark­
ened ring of skin around a nipple. Anat. Proximal part of the capillary 
bed, which contracts when exposed 
roan elecrric field. See at~ venDCa­
pi/laries. Radio{. Procedure of injecting a <. 'On-
trast medium into a vessel and ob· 
serving by means ofx·rays the 
suucrure of vessels and the pattern 
of flow through them. -arteriogra· 
phic, adj. A nat. A very small arterial branch, 
usually just proximal to a capillary. Anal. Directly connecting the lu­
mens of an artery and a vein, with­
out intervening capillaries . Glossary 339 aseptic, ad;. Med. Noninfecti ous. ductor per unit change in its poten-
aspiratUm needle 1Wed. Removal of tissue by aspiration tial. The electrical capacitance 
biopsy, n. through a needle, which is usually C=_Q_, where Q=the electric 
passed through locally anaesthe· t!.V 
tizcd skin and, for lung tumours , charge and ! !. V =the potemial dif· 
guided via fluoroscopic monitoring ference.- capacitative , adj. into the mass. capacitor, n. Eke. A conducto r which holds or 
atelectasis, n. A1ed. Airlessness and decreased vol- smres e:lectric charge. ume in aU or part of a lung. capillary, n. A nat. 1. Any one of rhe smallest 
arroph)', n. Med. Wasting away or decreased blood v·essels which connect the 
size, secondary to malnutrition or smallesl arteries and veins. Tissues 
disease.-atrophic, adj. receive blood-borne oxygen and nu-
att.e.nuarion, n. Thinning, weakening , decreasing. trients through the walls of capiUar-
autolysis, n. Chem. Chemical destruction of tis· ies. 2. Any slender channel. sues or cells by the action of their catabolism, n. Bioi. Destructive process in which 
own enzymes. living cells convert complex sub-
axon, n. Anat. The elonga[ed, conducting stances in[o simpler compounds. -
part of a nerve cell.-axonal, adj. catabolic, adj. *"A'' zone, nN Radiol. Zone of lowered X·ray at· cataplwresis, n. Eltc. The migration of an electro· 
tenuation of tissue, appearing as a positive compound (cation) tOward 
halo around a tumour or granulo- the cathode.- catapJwreti€, adj. rna. An "A" zone is often but not catheter, n. Med. A long, thin tube inserted in· 
always synonymous with a hydro- side a l>odily channel for diagnostic 
ptnic zone, i.e., depleted of tissue or therapeutic purposes . -catheter-
water. ize, v. 
basement mem:a Anat. A thin, noncellular partition cmhode, n. Eke. Negative electric pole.-ca· 
brane, n. lying under internal surfaces cov. tlwdic, adj. ered by epithelium or endothelium. cation, n. P!tys. A positively charged ion.-ca· 
benign, adj. Mtd. Not malignant; favourab le for tionic, adj. recovery. cavJ'ta11'o11, n. Med. The formation o( an abnormal 
biogalwnic, adj. Elec. Pertaining ro rhe ability of a space or spaces containing gas. -c..a-
biological system to generate direct vitated, adj. current. cerebrospinal A nat. The fluid in which the brain 
birefringent, adj. P!tys. Ooubly refractive. fluid, n. and spinal cord arc immersed. br<mthial vtSJ~ls, n. Ana c. Arteries arising from the aorta cerebrum, n. Ar~at . The largest portion of the 
and supplying blood to the bronchi. brain in man.-cerebral, adj. Inside the lungs the bronchial veins c.hemi.rorption , n. Phys. Chemical adsorption. empty into the pulmonary venous chemotaxis, n. Bioi. Movement of cells, especially 
network. leukocyte s, assumed to be induced 
bronchograplry, n. Radial. Study of the structure of the by chemical compounds. -chtmo-
bronchial tree, performed by filling tactic, adj. the bronchi with a contrast medi· chemotherapy, n. Med. Treatment with chemical 
urn. agents; common ly used in particu-
Brownian move-Plrys. Spontaneous, irregular move- Jar refe.ence to antineop lastic 
mem, n. ments of molecules or colloidal par- agents. tides suspende d in liquid. The cicatrix, n. Afed. Scar. movement s are caused by fluctu-cineradiograp hy, n. Radio/. ''fhe exposure of x-ray film in 
ations in the molecular impacts to rapid sequence (e.g., 50 frames per 
which each particle is subjected. sec). Discovered in 1827 by Or. Robert •circular struc· Radio/. Structural components of the 
Brown, a Sconish botanist. lUTtS, D. corona complex. *"B" zone, n~ Radio/. Zone of increased x-ta)' at· coeliac axis, n. A nut. Tbe first major intraabdominal 
tenuation of tissue outside an "A" branch of the aorta, sending arterial 
zone. A "B" zone is often synony· blood ro the liver, spleen, stOmach 
mous with an hydropic zone of local and duodenum. oedema. collagen, n. Anm. A protein and major support-
calcillosis, n. Med. A condition characterized by ive.con:stituent of connective tissue. foc-al c.alcification. colloid, n. Chem. A state of matter in which 
*calcinoS1·s repara· Med. After injury, deposition of cal- very small particles are finely dis· 
ri11a, n. cium in a tissue is part of the heal· persed throughout ano[her sub· 
ing process, not a disease per se. stance. Usually, the range of diame· 
calciolytic, adj. Med. Characterized by removing cal· ters of colloid particles varies be-
cium. tween lOA and 103 A. 
ta/Jut, n. Mtd. Substance exuded around frag· conductance, n. Elec. Reciprocal of resistance. ments of fractured bone. t(}11ntctive tissue, n. A nat. Tlilc supporting and binding 
capacitance, n. Eltc. Electric capacity; the amount tissue of various strUctures of the 
of charge stored on an isolated con- body. 340 Glos.sary con/Tart, n. 
•conma complex, n. 
cMona maligna, n. 
corona radiata, n. 
*C()r(»UJ struc­
tures, n. 
•conma tratlsfor­
mation, n. 
cMonaryartery, n. 
corpustlt, n. 
cortex, n. 
costophrenic, adj. cranial, adj. craniocaudal, adj. crenation, n. 
cytoplasm, n. 
cytostatic, adj. degtnera11've, adj. Radio/. I. The property of distinctly 
different degrees of film or screen 
activation as a function of the dif­
ferent tissues or substances through 
which x-rays pass. Conventio nal 
diagnostic radiology derives infor· 
mation from fi\•e levels of contrast. In increasing order of opacity, these 
levels are gas, fat, water, caldum 
and heavy metal. 2. Abbre\'iation for contrast mcdi ~ 
urn, which is a substance placed in 
the body, usually by injection into 2 
tubu!J!r organ and which absorbs a 
distinctly different quamhy of x­
rays than do the surrounding tis· 
sues. Radio/.
631928626-Biologically-Closed-Electric-Ci-Bjorn-Nordenstrom-pdf.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        The currents will also di­
rectly interfere with cellular metabolism and modify 
structural elements of cells. Damage to structures, 
e. g. , the DNA molecule, is evidently one possible 
effect of such modifications. Cells subjected to the 
conditions described can be expected to show variable 
abilities to survive and 10 adapt themselves to the new 
living conditions. Thereby a variety of possibilities 
should occur for the evolution of normal and patho­
logical populations of cells. A continuous selection of 
viable, reproducible cells, capable of adapting to envi­
ronmental factors, which are slowly changing over 
long time periods, might lead to the development of 
normal biological tissues. An endogenous activation of 
BCEC systems in this way should evidently represent 
· an important biogenetic function. The underlying 
mechanism can, however, also be anticipated to pro­
duce a variety of less viable and adaptable cells. Some 
of these cells may survive, leading to the development 
of benign or malignant rumours. In this vinu the devel­
opment of neoplastic tissue may depend on the same bio­
logic mechanism as the development of n()Tma/ tissue. A large variety of chemical, physical and biological 
factors can induce cancer. This capability is not sur­
prising. Many chemicals should have the capability to 
activate BCEC systems with different magnitud es of 
energies, either primarily by their own electro{phy­
sico-)chemical potentials or secondarily over a chronic 
injury polarization. It is therefore possible to under­
stand thatBCEC systems rm<kr certain circumsumces may 
funcJion as a common mechanism in carcinogenesis. F. Morphog enetic capacity of 
BCEC systems 
Formation of membranes and organ capsules 
The morphogenetic capacicy of BCEC systems should also be discussed briefly with regard to the development 
of mnnbranes and organ capsules. The proposed mecha­
nism anticipates that "fibrotic" material deposits on 
the surfaces of many organs, e.
The text does not explicitly state the proposed mechanism of acupuncture, but it presents a new perspective on the subject, suggesting that it may be related to the concept of biologically closed electric circuits (BCEC).
What is the proposed mechanism of acupuncture, according to the text?
The purpose of this table is not explicitly stated in the text, but it appears to be a comparison of different tissues or substances in terms of their electrical conductivity.
What is the purpose of the table in Fig. XVIII: 5 b?
The figures and tables in the text are used to illustrate the concept of biologically closed electric circuits (BCEC) and their potential applications, such as in the context of oral galvanism.
What is the significance of the figures and tables in the text?
The text suggests that BCEC systems may also contribute to the development of neoplastic tissue, implying a possible connection between BCEC and cancer.
What is the relationship between BCEC and cancer development?
The author does not explicitly express an opinion on the use of acupuncture, but presents a new perspective on the subject and its potential applications.
What is the author's opinion on the use of acupuncture?