Effects of 780-nm low-level laser therapy with a pulsed gallium aluminum arsenide laser on the healing of a surgically induced open skin wound of rat.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the effects of a 780-nm low-level laser on open skin wound healing.


BACKGROUND
Optimal parameters of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for wound healing are discussed.


METHODS
One full-thickness skin wound was surgically induced in the dorsum skin of 30 rats. The rats were divided into two groups. Rats in the experimental group were daily treated with a gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) laser (2 J/cm(2), lambda = 780 nm, pulse frequency of 2336 Hz). Rats in the sham-exposed group received LLLT with switched off equipment. After 4, 7, and 15 days, wounds were checked by histological and biomechanical methods. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test.


RESULTS
Fibroblasts, endothelium of blood vessels, blood vessel sections, and maximum stress were significantly increased, whereas macrophages were significantly decreased, compared with those of the sham-exposed group.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulsed LLLT with a 780-nm GaAlAs laser significantly accelerates the process of healing of surgically induced, full-thickness skin wounds in rat.
Physical Therapy Research Group, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Iran Medical Science Branch University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran. bayat_m@yahoo.com
Mohammad
M
Bayat
Afsaneh
A
Azari
Mohammad Ghasem
MG
Golmohammadi
D000818:Animals; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*