Biostimulation of wound healing in vivo by a helium-neon laser.
Clinical observations have suggested that low-energy lasers might stimulate wound healing. To understand the mechanism of the biostimulation, we previously examined the effects of low-energy lasers on collagen production by human skin fibroblasts and reported an increase of collagen synthesis in vitro. To examine the effects of low-energy lasers in vivo, hairless mice were experimentally wounded, sutured, and subjected to laser irradiation by a helium-neon laser with a power output of 1.56 mW and an energy fluence of 1.22 Joules/cm2. Experimental wounds were subjected to laser treatment every other day for 2 months; control wounds remained untreated. Specimens from the wounds were then examined for histological findings, tensile strength, and total collagen content. Results demonstrated a considerable improvement in the tensile strength of the laser-irradiated wounds at 1 and 2 weeks. Furthermore, the total collagen content was significantly increased at 2 months when compared with control wounds. These results suggest a beneficial effect of the helium-neon laser on wound healing in vivo.
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D006371:Helium; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000378:metabolism; D053685:Laser Therapy; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D008954:Models, Biological; D009356:Neon; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000528:radiation effects; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000532:radiotherapy*
D006371:Helium; D009356:Neon; D003094:Collagen; D006909:Hydroxyproline