Use of low-power He-Ne laser therapy to accelerate regeneration processes of injured sciatic nerve in rabbit

BACKGROUND: Photostimulation using low-power laser had been used for nervous repair with interesting results. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of 20 mW low-power He-Ne laser on the regeneration of a peripheral sciatic nerve after trauma using the Albino rabbit as an animal model for experimental treatment. METHODS: Six adult male rabbits were randomly assigned into two equal groups (control- and laser-treated). General anesthesia was administered intramuscularly, and exploration of the sciatic nerve was done in the lateral aspect of the legs. Complete longitudinal and reverse sections of the nerve were performed, which was followed by crushing of the neural sheath. Treatment was carried out directly after the trauma. Irradiation doses of low-level laser therapy (LLLT-31.5 J/cm(2)) with once a day application for 10 consecutive days and observed for 30 days. The animals were followed up for an extra 2 weeks. Two important factors were examined histopathology and functionality of the nerve. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, significant variations in regeneration were observed, including thicker nerve fibers, and more regular myelin layers in the treated group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that laser therapy may be a viable approach for nerve regeneration and repair.