Comparative analysis of two laser wavelengths in the stimulation of acupuncture points for analgesic effects in an animal model

Abstract

This study compares the effectiveness of two laser wavelengths for stimulating acupoints in an experimental model of acute postoperative pain. Forty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive treatment on their left hind paw, contralateral to a surgical procedure.Laser treatments were performed with Green Laser-GL (532 nm, 70 mW and 7 J/cm 2 of energy), Red Laser-RL (660 nm, 100 mW and 7 J/cm 2 of energy), or with Laser Off-LO. After each application, the animals were evaluated with a Von Frey analgesiometer to check for painful sensitivity on their right (with surgery) and left (without surgery) hind paws. Neuropeptides and cytokine levels in the incision site tissue of the right paw were measured by ELISA after 1, 6 and 24 hours. It was possible to observe that, in this pain model, both lasers promoted analgesia and that the GL altered the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β.