Evaluation of angiogenesis, inflammation, and healing on irradiated skin graft with low-level laser therapy in rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus wistar)

The reconstructive techniques have been widely used in Veterinary Medicine. The post-operative adjuvants therapies like the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are used to decrease inherent complications to reconstructive surgeries. This article purposed to define the LLLT effects on the healing, inflammation, and vascularization of the skin grafts in applicable time intervals to veterinary surgical routine. Forty rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus wistar) were used and each one was submitted to autogenous cutaneous mesh grafting in the interescapular region. The rats were randomly distributed in five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5) in accordance with the 6 J/cm² or 10 J/cm² dose every 3 or 5 days. These treatments were applied on the skin graft for 15 days. The histochemical evaluation with Picrosirius showed greater expression of collagen type 1 – red in grafts of G5 (p < 0.05), while in G1 did not; the expression of collagen type III – green was not induced by LLLT. The histochemical evaluation with hematoxylin-eosin showed greater numbers of fibroblasts in grafts of G4 (p < 0.05) and less hemorrhage in grafts of G5 (p < 0.05). There was modulation of the inflammatory response in irradiated skin grafts. It is concluded the exhibition of the skin grafts to 6 J/cm² or 10 J/cm² dose every 5 days improved the healing and the modulation of the local inflammation.