Cytotoxicity of high energy shock waves: methodologic considerations

In vivo and in vitro experimentation with high energy shock waves (HESW) is necessary to further our understanding of the biologic effects and potential application of this novel energy form. Factors are identified which are critical to the design and subsequent interpretation of HESW experimentation. First, the nature of the containment vessel and the presence or absence of acoustic interfaces are shown to significantly alter the outcome of cell suspension experiments. Second, the effects of HESW are shown to differ markedly for cells in suspension versus cells in tissue making comparisons between the two uncertain. Finally, the need for appropriate negative controls is demonstrated with in vivo experiments to control for the generalized toxicity which occurs when small animals are exposed to such an intense force distributed over a relatively large area. These findings affect the interpretation of previously reported work which investigated the cytotoxic potential of HESW.