Ga-Al-As laser irradiation inhibits neuronal activity associated with inflammation

A Ga-Al-As diode system that produces low-energy red light (830 nm, 40 mW) has been used for the treatment of many kinds of pain. The mechanism of action of this new laser irradiation for analgesia was studied in anesthetized rats. The effect of laser irradiation of the saphenous nerve was studied by recording neuronal activity at the L4 dorsal root filaments after the injection of a chemical irritant, turpentine. Laser irradiation inhibited both the asynchronous firing by that was induced by turpentine and increased part of the slow components of the action potentials. Thus, the laser irradiation selectively inhibited nociceptive signals at peripheral nerves.