[Effect of an infrared laser on the morphoenzymology and oxygen balance of an experimental wound].

The effect of infrared laser on skin wound healing has been studied on 88 rats. Irradiated animals show increased red cell count in the wound discharge and diminished RNA and glycogen contents in macrophages and monocytes. The first week of irradiation is marked by enhanced activity of NADP x H2-dehydrogenase and ATPase as well as by increase in the oxygen consumption rate. Irradiation does not accelerate wound heling but leads to the formation of a thinner scar as compared to control and reduces the frequency of wound suppurations.