Low energy laser irradiation: A possible neuroprotective modality

Michal Schwartz, Eti Yoles, Arieh Solomon, Chaya Katz, Inbal Hai, Michael Belkin

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have tested the effects of early posttraumatic low-energy laser irradiation on injured neural tissues. Rat optic nerves were crushed by a calibrated forceps and the ensuing degenerative processes were followed up electrophysiologically and by on-line metabolism measurements, using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide autofluorescence in response to anoxia. The irradiation not only decelerated the posttraumatic degenerative processes but also increased axonal survival as shown by visual evoked potential response recording. The irradiation also reduced significantly the very early posttraumatic reduction in the metabolic activity of the optic nerve. It seems that the low-energy irradiation, possibly by a photochemical mechanism and by modifying the cellular metabolism, prevents the spread of the injury effects from the injury site and along the axons. This action of low-energy laser irradiation is akin to the neuroprotective effects ascribed to various drugs, such as corticosteroids.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)627-633
Number of pages7
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2391
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 May 1995
EventLaser-Tissue Interaction VI 1995 - San Jose, United States
Duration: 1 Feb 19958 Feb 1995

Funding

FundersFunder number
Dancom Ltd.

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