Dose and wavelength of laser light have influence on the repair of cutaneous wounds.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare histologically the effect of GaAlAs (lambda 830 nm, phi approximately 2 mm(2), 35 mW) and InGaAlP (lambda 685 nm, phi approximately 2 mm(2), 35 mW) lasers, alone or in association with doses of 20 or 50 J/cm(2) on cutaneous wounds in the dorsum of the Wistar rat.

Background data: The healing time of surgical wounds is of extreme importance and it is usually associated with a post-operative period free of infection and with less pain and inflammation.

Materials and methods: Sixty Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: Group I - control (non-irradiated); Group II - lambda 685 nm, 20 J/cm(2); Group III - lambda 830 nm, 20 J/cm(2); Group IV - lambda 685 nm and lambda 830 nm, 20 J/cm(2); Group V - lambda 685 nm, 50 J/cm(2)); Group VI - lambda 830 nm, 50 J/cm(2); and Group VII - lambda 685 nm and 830 nm, 50 J/cm(2). The animals were sacrificed 3, 5, and 7 days after surgery.

Results: Light microscopic analysis using H&E and Picrosírius stains showed that, at the end of the experimental period, irradiated subjects showed increased collagen production and organization when compared to non-irradiated controls. Inflammation was still present in all groups at this time.

Conclusion: Group IV (lambda 830 nm and lambda 685 nm, 20 J/cm(2)) presented better results at the end of the experimental period. It is concluded that low-level light therapy (LLLT) can have a positive biomodulatory effect on the repair of cutaneous wounds.