Low power laser irradiation reduces ischemic damage in hippocampal slices in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
Low power laser irradiation has been reported to reduce injury, promote regeneration, and produce analgesia. While the mechanism is unknown, one hypothesis is that light produces free radicals, which have a beneficial effect at low concentrations.


METHODS
We have investigated the effects of low power laser irradiation on the loss of electrical excitability of hippocampal brain slices after a transient exposure to a perfusion medium lacking oxygen and containing reduced glucose concentrations. Injury in this system is known to result at least in part from free radical production.


RESULTS
Low power laser irradiation increased the time required for loss of excitability and increased recovery from the ischemic injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Low power laser irradiation has acute protective effects against ischemic damage in brain slices.
Iwase
T
T
Department of Pharmacology, Kyushu University School of Dentistry, Fukuoka, Japan.
Hori
N
N
Morioka
T
T
Carpenter
D O
DO
D000818:Animals; D005609:Free Radicals; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000098:blood supply*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007511:Ischemia / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008722:Methods; D051381:Rats
D005609:Free Radicals