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01-03-2014 | Original Article

Pulsed LLLT improves tendon healing in rats: a biochemical, organizational, and functional evaluation

Authors: Flávia Da Ré Guerra, Cristiano Pedrozo Vieira, Marcos dos Santos de Almeida, Letícia Prado Oliveira, Ana Carolina Ferreira Claro, Gustavo Ferreira Simões, Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira, Edson Rosa Pimentel

Published in: Lasers in Medical Science | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

In the last decades, the tendon injuries have increased substantially. Previous results suggested that low-level laser treatment (LLLT) promotes synthesis of extracellular matrix and improves the functional properties of the tendon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different protocols of LLLT on partially tenotomized tendons. Adult male rats were divided into the following: G1—intact, G2—injured, G3—injured + LLLT (4 J/cm² continuous), G4—injured + LLLT (4 J/cm² at 20 Hz). G2, G3, and G4 were euthanized 8 days after injury. G5—injured, G6—injured + LLLT (4 J/cm² continuous), and G7—injured + LLL (4 J/cm² at 20 Hz until the seventh day and 2 kHz from 8 to 14 days). G5, G6, and G7 were euthanized on the 15th day. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) level was quantified by dimethylmethylene blue method and analyzed on agarose gel. Toluidine blue (TB) stain was used to observe metachromasy. CatWalk system was used to evaluate gait recovery. Collagen organization was analyzed by polarization microscopy. The GAG level increased in all transected groups, except G5. In G6 and G7, there was a significant increase in GAG in relation to G5. In G3 and G4, the presence of dermatan sulfate band was more prominent than G2. TB stains showed intense metachromasy in the treated groups. Birefringence analysis showed improvement in collagen organization in G7. The gait was significantly improved in G7. In conclusion, pulsed LLLT leads to increased organization of collagen bundles and improved gait recovery.

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Title: Pulsed LLLT improves tendon healing in rats: a biochemical, organizational, and functional evaluation
Authors: Flávia Da Ré Guerra
Cristiano Pedrozo Vieira
Marcos dos Santos de Almeida
Letícia Prado Oliveira
Ana Carolina Ferreira Claro
Gustavo Ferreira Simões
Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira
Edson Rosa Pimentel
Publication date: 01-03-2014
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Lasers in Medical Science / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0268-8921
Electronic ISSN: 1435-604X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1406-2

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Pulsed LLLT improves tendon healing in rats: a biochemical, organizational, and functional evaluation

Abstract

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