Abstract

CHAGAS JUNIOR, Otacílio Luiz et al. Therapeutic laser and inflammatory cells - part 1: mast cells. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. [online]. 2013, vol.13, n.3, pp. 103-110. ISSN 1808-5210.

This study measured the variation in the total number of mast cells after low level laser therapy (λ= 685 nm) using a stereological method. Eighteen male Wistar rats (250 to 300 grams) with standardized surgical wounds were randomly distributed into 6 groups - 3 study groups with 4 rats each, and 3 control groups with 2 rats each. In the study groups, four equidistant spots around the standardized wound were irradiated (0.5 J/cm², 35 mW, 35 Hz, 17 seconds). The control groups were not irradiated. The animals were killed at 6, 12 and 24 hours after laser therapy. Biological specimens were harvested and routinely processed; slides were prepared and stained with toluidine blue. The total number of mast cells was counted using the stereological method. A statistically significant decrease in the total number of mast cells was observed at 6 and 12 hours after irradiation. However, there was nodifference in the number of mast cells between study and control groups at 24 hours. Our results showed that one single irradiation with laser light reduced the total number of mast cells in the animal model used in this study.

Keywords : Low level laser therapy (LLLT).; Mast cells.; Toluidine blue.; Stereological method..