Improvement of macromolecular clearance via lymph flow in hamster gingiva by low-power carbon dioxide laser-irradiation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Although therapeutic effects of low-power laser-irradiation on periodontal disease have been reported, little is known about the biological effects of laser-irradiation in the gingiva. Recently we reported that topical warming stimulated macromolecular clearance via lymph flow in hamster gingiva. This study was conducted to investigate whether low-power laser-irradiation affects macromolecular clearance via the lymph flow in the gingiva.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We injected 14C-methylated albumin into the mandibular gingiva of anesthetized hamsters followed by topical carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-irradiation (30 seconds, 0.5-1.5 W). We measured the clearance of radiolabeled albumin from the gingiva and its drainage into submandibular lymph nodes during 10 minutes.

RESULTS

The clearance of the radiolabeled albumin from the gingiva and the influx into the submandibular lymph nodes were increased by CO2 laser-irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Low-power CO2 laser-irradiation improves macromolecular clearance via the lymph flow in hamster gingiva.