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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Published on: February 17, 2023
Effect of a diode laser on wound healing by using diabetic and nondiabetic mice
Jill S Kawalec1, Vincent J Hetherington, Thomas C Pfennigwerth
1Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Cleveland 44106, USA. jkawalec@ocpm.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 980-nm gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser for wound healing. Using genetically diabetic and nondiabetic mice, two 6-mm wounds were created on the back of each mouse by using a punch biopsy. The mice were assigned to 1 of 4 subgroups for laser treatment at different fluence and frequency of treatment: 5 W (18 J/cm2) every 2 days, 5 W (18 J/cm2) every 4 days, 10 W (36 J/cm2) every 2 days, and 10 W (36 J/cm2) every 4 days. In addition, control mice were used and the wounds were allowed to heal naturally. Wound healing was evaluated on days 5, 12, and 19 by percentage of wounds healed and percent wound closure. A maximum of 5 mice per subgroup were killed at days 7, 14, and 21, and histology was conducted on the wound sites. For diabetic mice receiving 5 W every 2 days, the percentage of wounds healed after 19 days was 100% versus 40% in the control group. Only 20% of wounds in the 10-W diabetic subgroups achieved healing during the same period. For the subgroups whose wounds did not completely heal, all but the 10 W every 2 days subgroup had average closure of >90%. The 100% closure for the 5 W every 2 days subgroup was significantly greater than the other subgroups. For nondiabetic mice, 100% of the wounds in the 5 W every 4 days and control subgroups were completely healed, whereas 90% of the wounds from the 5 W every 2 days and the 10 W every 4 days subgroups were completely healed. In the latter 2 subgroups, wound closure was 99.4% and 98.8%, respectively. These differences were not significant. The histologic results confirmed these findings. In conclusion, treatment at 18 J/cm2 shows a beneficial effect on wound healing in diabetic mice and does not have a detrimental effect in nondiabetic mice.
Insights
A 980-nm diode laser at 18 J/cm² significantly improved wound healing in diabetic mice. This laser treatment showed beneficial effects on diabetic wound healing without negatively impacting nondiabetic mice.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Medicine
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Diabetic complications often impair wound healing.
- Accelerating wound closure is critical for patient outcomes.
- Low-level laser therapy is explored for therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 980-nm gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser for wound healing.
- To assess the impact of different laser fluences and frequencies on wound closure in diabetic and nondiabetic mice.
Main Methods:
- Two 6-mm punch biopsy wounds were created on genetically diabetic and nondiabetic mice.
- Mice were treated with a 980-nm diode laser at 5 W (18 J/cm²) or 10 W (36 J/cm²) every 2 or 4 days.
- Control groups received no laser treatment.
- Wound healing was assessed by percentage healed and percent closure on days 5, 12, and 19.
- Histological analysis was performed on wound tissues.
Main Results:
- In diabetic mice, 18 J/cm² every 2 days resulted in 100% wound healing, significantly higher than the 40% in controls.
- Diabetic subgroups treated at 10 W showed limited healing (20% at 18 J/cm²).
- Nondiabetic mice showed high healing rates across most groups, with no significant detrimental effects from laser treatment.
Conclusions:
- Treatment with a 980-nm diode laser at 18 J/cm² (5 W every 2 days) demonstrates a significant benefit for wound healing in diabetic mice.
- The 18 J/cm² fluence is safe and does not impede wound healing in nondiabetic mice.
- This laser therapy presents a promising approach for managing diabetic wound complications.
