[Influence of low energy He-Ne laser on regeneration of peripheral nerve]

The purpose of this experiment was to elucidate the influence of the low-energy He-Ne laser on the function of regeneration of peripheral nerve. Forty-four rabbits about 2.5 kg body weight were used in the experiment. The animals were divided into 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks groups according to the observation period. Six animals were used in each irradiated group and in the control group 5 rabbits were used in each observation period. Regeneration of the axon and myelinc sheath, the latent rate of the common peroneal nerve, the conditions of the anterior tibital muscle and the toe expansion test were all observed systematically in both groups. The experimental results was: A few thin regenerated axon was seen at 4 weeks in the irradiated group, while in the control group it might be seen at 8 weeks, the P value was < 0.01. A low amplitude latent rate of the common peroneal nerve is determined at the peroneal side of the anterior tibial muscle in a few animal at 4 weeks of the irradiated group, and it is not observed in the control group, from 12 to 16 weeks. THe latent rate of the common peroneal nerve was the irradiated group than in the controlled, the P value was < 0.01. The regeneration of the myeline sheath was evident in the irradiated group, and also the slstion of the musdle fibers anterior tibial muscle was clearly visible than the controlled. 16 weeks postoperatively, the toe expansion test was normal in the irradiated group, while in the control group it was the same as seen at 12 weeks after operation in the irradiated group. Now it was certain that the low-energy He-Ne laser could promole the function of the spinal motor nerve cells and accelerate the axonal regeneration.