In vitro cellular processes sprouting in cortex microexplants of adult rat brains induced by low power laser irradiation.

The effect of He-Ne low power laser irradiation on the growth of cellular processes of microexplants of the brain cortex of adult rats in tissue culture was studied. Two 8-min doses of direct laser irradiation, 3.6 J/cm2 each given on two successive days, caused a significant amount of sprouting of cellular processes outgrowth in microexplants compared to small amounts produced by nonirradiated controls. This preliminary observation suggests that low power laser irradiation applied to the area of an experimentally injured nerve may induce neurite processes sprouting, thereby improving nerve tissue recovery.