Effects of a single near-infrared laser treatment on cutaneous wound healing: biometrical and histological study in rats.
BACKGROUND
Low intensity laser therapy has been recommended to support the cutaneous repair; however, so far studies do not have evaluated the tissue response following a single laser treatment. This study investigated the effect of a single laser irradiation on the healing of full-thickness skin lesions in rats.


METHODS
Forty-eight male rats were randomly divided into three groups. One surgical lesion was created on the back of rats using a punch of 8mm in diameter. One group was not submitted to any treatment after surgery and it was used as control. Two energy doses from an 830-nm near-infrared diode laser were used immediately post-wounding: 1.3 J cm(-2) and 3 J cm(-2). The laser intensity 53 m W cm(-2) was kept for both groups. Biometrical and histological analyses were accomplished at days 3, 7 and 14 post-wounding.


RESULTS
Irradiated lesions presented a more advanced healing process than control group. The dose of 1.3 J cm(-2) leaded to better results. Lesions of the group irradiated with 1.3 J cm(-2) presented faster lesion contraction showing quicker re-epithelization and reformed connective tissue with more organized collagen fibers.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-intensity laser therapy may accelerate cutaneous wound healing in a rat model even if a single laser treatment is performed. This finding might broaden current treatment regimens.
Rezende
Sandra B
SB
Center for Lasers and Applications, IPEN-CNEN/SP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Ribeiro
Martha S
MS
Núñez
Silvia C
SC
Garcia
Valdir G
VG
Maldonado
Edison P
EP
D000818:Animals; D001699:Biometry; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing