Low-energy laser irradiation: a possible neuroprotective modality

Michal Schwartz; E. Yoles; Arieh S. Solomon M.D.; C. Katz; I. Hai; Michael Belkin M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.209932

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22 May 1995 Low-energy laser irradiation: a possible neuroprotective modality

Michal Schwartz; E. Yoles; Arieh S. Solomon M.D.; C. Katz; I. Hai; Michael Belkin M.D.

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Proceedings Volume 2391, Laser-Tissue Interaction VI; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209932
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

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 decelerate 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 he 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.

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Michal Schwartz, E. Yoles, Arieh S. Solomon M.D., C. Katz, I. Hai, and Michael Belkin M.D. "Low-energy laser irradiation: a possible neuroprotective modality", Proc. SPIE 2391, Laser-Tissue Interaction VI, (22 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209932

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