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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Possible therapeutic use of vasodilator iontophoresis
Andrea K Murray1, Ariane L Herrick, Rachel E Gorodkin
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laser Photonics Group, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. andi@fs4.ph.man.ac.uk
Background:
Investigation into the effects of a novel vasodilator delivery method (for the eventual treatment of scleroderma related digital ulceration) on healthy controls is reported. When Raynaud's phenomenon (episodic cold-induced colour changes of the fingers) occurs in the context of scleroderma, it can be extremely severe, leading to ulceration and sometimes gangrene. The current treatment of choice for scleroderma-related critical digital ischaemia and/or ulceration is intravenous prostanoid therapy, necessitating hospitalisation. However, iloprost is often poorly tolerated and may be ineffective.
Methods:
This study utilises a newly designed iontophoresis chamber which has the potential to allow a therapeutic, rather than diagnostic application for vasodilatory iontophoresis. Ten healthy controls underwent whole finger iontophoresis with 1% acetylcholine chloride for 2 min at 100 microA. Iontophoresis with varying treatment times and currents was carried out on a subset of subjects to determine the effect on perfusion increase.
Results:
A significant increase in perfusion following iontophoresis was found, compared to the adjacent, untreated finger (P < 0.001). Maximum increase as a percentage from baseline, mean [SD] = 100 [66]%. Both treatment time and current have an approximately linear relationship with perfusion increase.
Conclusions:
Iontophoresis of the whole finger administers drugs locally with no systemic effects and warrants further investigation as a therapy.
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