<b>Interaction between low level laser therapy and anesthesia in wistar rats

Abstract

The aim was to assess whether the low level laser therapy (LLLT), 660 nm, can lower the effect of injectable anesthetics in rats. Wistar rats (n = 20) were used in two steps: 1) grip strength test and measuring the anesthesia time for control (G1A) and irradiated (G1AL) groups; 2) after 15 days, rats received new anesthesia injection and were evaluated for nociception (G2A - control; G2AL - laser). Anesthesia was induced by ketamine hydrochloride (75 mg kg-1) and xylazine (10 mg kg-1), by intraperitoneal injection, according to the body weight. LLLT used was 660 nm at four sites along the right hind limb. Anesthesia time was shorter for the G1AL (p = 0.0031). There were significant differences between pre- and post-intervention in the grip strength test (p 0.05). It can be concluded that the LLLT caused no significant reduction on the effect of anesthesia.

Keywords

• low-level laser therapy
• anesthesia
• pain measurement