Evaluation of helium/neon and infrared laser irradiation on wound healing in rabbits

Abstract

We examined the biostimulating effects of HeNe, pulsed IR, or the two combined on wound healing in rabbits. Seventy-two rabbits received either 1) no exposure, 2) 4 J/cm2 HeNe, 3) 20 J/cm2 pulsed IR, or 4) both HeNe and IR together to one of two dorsal full-thickness wounds daily for 21 days. Wound areas were measured photographically at periodic intervals. Tissue samples were analyzed for tensile strength and histology was done to measure epidermal thickness and collagen area. Significant differences were found in the tensile strength of all laser-treated groups compared to Group 1. No differences were found in the rate of wound healing or collagen area; epidermal growth was slightly greater in the lased area compared to unexposed tissue but the difference was not significant. Further work is planned to examine possible local analgesic effects of biostimulating lasers.We examined the biostimulating effects of HeNe, pulsed IR, or the two combined on wound healing in rabbits. Seventy-two rabbits received either 1) no exposure, 2) 4 J/cm2 HeNe, 3) 20 J/cm2 pulsed IR, or 4) both HeNe and IR together to one of two dorsal full-thickness wounds daily for 21 days. Wound areas were measured photographically at periodic intervals. Tissue samples were analyzed for tensile strength and histology was done to measure epidermal thickness and collagen area. Significant differences were found in the tensile strength of all laser-treated groups compared to Group 1. No differences were found in the rate of wound healing or collagen area; epidermal growth was slightly greater in the lased area compared to unexposed tissue but the difference was not significant. Further work is planned to examine possible local analgesic effects of biostimulating lasers.