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Comparative effects of wavelengths of low-power laser in regeneration of sciatic nerve in rats following crushing lesion

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Abstract

Peripheral nerves are structures that, when damaged, can result in significant motor and sensory disabilities. Several studies have used therapeutic resources with the aim of promoting early nerve regeneration, such as the use of low-power laser. However, this laser therapy does not represent a consensus regarding the methodology, thus yielding controversial conclusions. The objective of our study was to investigate, by functional evaluation, the comparative effects of low-power laser (660 nm and 830 nm) on sciatic nerve regeneration following crushing injuries. Twenty-seven Wistar rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury were divided into three groups: group sham, consisting of rats undergoing simulated irradiation; a group consisting of rats subjected to gallium–aluminum–arsenide (GaAlAs) laser at 660 nm (10 J/cm2, 30 mW and 0.06 cm2 beam), and another one consisting of rats subjected to GaAlAs laser at 830 nm (10 J/cm2, 30 mW and 0.116 cm2). Laser was applied to the lesion for 21 days. A sciatic functional index (SFI) was used for functional evaluation prior to surgery and on days 7, 14, and 21 after surgery. Differences in SFI were found between group 660 nm and the other ones at the 14th day. One can observe that laser application at 660 nm with the parameters and methods utilised was effective in promoting early functional recovery, as indicated by the SFI, over the period evaluated.

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Acknowledgements

This project had financial support from the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo—FAPESP), Brazil.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, SP, Brazil

    Rafael Inácio Barbosa, Alexandre Marcio Marcolino, Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus Guirro, Nilton Mazzer, Cláudio Henrique Barbieri & Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca

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  1. Rafael Inácio Barbosa
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  2. Alexandre Marcio Marcolino
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  3. Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus Guirro
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  5. Cláudio Henrique Barbieri
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  6. Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca
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Correspondence to Rafael Inácio Barbosa.

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Barbosa, R.I., Marcolino, A.M., de Jesus Guirro, R.R. et al. Comparative effects of wavelengths of low-power laser in regeneration of sciatic nerve in rats following crushing lesion. Lasers Med Sci 25, 423–430 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-009-0750-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-009-0750-8

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