The influence of low level laser irradiation on vascular reactivity

Abstract Purpose The mechanism of action of low level laser irradiation on tissues is unclear. Authors of publications present the positive clinical impact of low and medium power laser irradiation on vascular reactivity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of vascular endothelium in laser-induced constricted by endothelin-1 and phenylephrine. Materials and methods Experiments were performed on isolated and perfused rat tail arteries of weighing 250–350 g male Wistar rats. Contractility of arteries as a response to endothelin-1 and phenylephrine was measured after exposure to laser stimulation (10, 30 and 110 mW). Results Laser irradiation inhibits vascular smooth muscle contraction induced by endothelin-1 and an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine proportionally to the laser power. Concentration-response curves were shifted to the right with significant reduction in maximal response. Laser irradiation at the power of 10 mW, 30 mW, and 110 mW reduced the maximum response of arteries stimulated with phenylephrine sequentially to 88%, 72%, and 52%. Similar findings were observed during stimulation of endothelin-1. Laser irradiation at the power of 10 mW, 30 mW and 110 mW resulted in maximal response respectively reduced to 94%, 62% and 38%. Conclusion Our results strongly suggest that during low level laser irradiation vascular smooth muscle cells reactivity is reduced, this effect is present in arteries with normal endothelium. The mechanism of action of laser biosimulation on tissues is unclear. Authors of publications present the positive clinical impact of low level laser irradiation on vascular reactivity.