Mast cells have been shown to participate in the wound healing process. We investigated the effects of
low-level laser therapy (
LLLT) on mast cell number in the
inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases of the wound healing process of experimental
burns. Sixty rats subjected to third-degree
burns were divided into four groups: two
laser-treated, one control, and one
nitrofurazone-treated group. In the two
laser-treated groups, burned areas received
LLLT with a
helium-neon
laser at energy densities of 38.2 J/cm(2) and 76.4 J/cm(2), respectively. The effects on mast cell number and degranulation were assessed 7, 16, and 30 days postburn (
inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases of wound healing, respectively). Intact and degranulated mast cells were counted. Five rats with no
burns were used for baseline studies. On day 7 in the first
laser group, the total number of mast cells was significantly higher than in the other groups. On day 16 in the
nitrofurazone-treated group, the total number of mast cells was significantly higher than in the control, first
laser, and normal groups.
LLLT on the experimental third-degree
burns significantly increased the total number of mast cells during the
inflammation phase of wound healing; also, topical application of 0.2%
nitrofurazone ointment on the same
burns significantly increased the total number of mast cells during the proliferation phase of
burn healing.