Biological effects of low energy laser irradiation: Evidence for biostimulation of wound healing processes and modulation of human immune system in vitro

Several lines of evidence suggest that low energy lasers, such as helium-neon (He-Ne) and gallium-arsenide (Ga-As) lasers, at very low energy, can modulate subtle biological functions of cells in vitro. For example, several clinical observations have suggested that He-Ne lasers might be effective in enhancing wound healing processes. The concept of laser biostimulation for wound healing has remained controversial, however, since some studies have not been able to document the beneficial effects of low energy lasers, and most trials thus far have been uncontrolled. Furthermore, although some studies have documented the beneficial effects of the laser energy, the question of specificity of the laser energy has remained controversial. In this presentation, we would like to review some recent studies from our laboratory suggesting that low energy lasers are capable of modulating subtle biological functions of cells.