Abstract
M.Tech.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as photo-biostimulation or
simply phototherapy, has widely been used in the treatment of wounds, with
its history dating back to the early 1960s (Ohshiro and Calderhead, 1991).
Despite some literature reporting negative and non-existent cellular
responses to LLLT, a growing body of literature reports the positive and
beneficial effects of LLLT. LLLT has proved to be efficient in speeding and
improving the quality of wound healing. Stressed cells respond more
favourably to LLLT by recovering to their most natural state and functional
capability (Bernett, 1998; Karu, 1998). When healing appears to be impaired,
these tissues respond positively to the appropriate doses of light, especially
light that is within 600 to 1,000 nm wavelengths (Enwemeka et al., 2004).
Cellular responses to LLLT include changes in mitochondrial intracellular
calcium ion (Ca2+) levels, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), Adenine
Triphosphate (ATP) concentration, and cyclic 5’, 3’ Adenosine
Monophosphate (cAMP) (Karu, 1998). The mitochondrion is the power house
of a cell and the major location of cellular ATP synthesis (Bayens and
Dominiczak, 1999). ATP is an energy rich molecule that drives processes
responsible for cell growth or proliferation (Klug et al., 2003). LLLT alters
intracellular pH which is related to activation of ATPase leading to an increase
in ATP production in the mitochondria of the cell (Alexandratou et al., 2002;
Karu, 1998). However the mechanisms by which the beneficial effects are
attained by cells in stress or injury state are not clear.