Treatment for neuropathic pain and chronic inflammation using LASER in animal models.

Abstract

The ST36 (Zusanli) acupuncture point is used to treat inflammatory processes, pain and gastrointestinal disturbs. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of Low-level Laser Treatment (LLLT) on ST36 acupoint using models of chronic nociception and inflammation. Male Swiss mice were treated with LLLT on ST36 30 minutes before the mechanical allodynia (von Frey) performed on the partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) method and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). The results demonstrated that application of LLLT on ST36 inhibited the mechanical allodynia response induced by PSNL and CFA, with total reversion at 30 minutes after application. Long-term treatment of animals with LLLT on the same acupoint, once a day, also reduced the PNSL and CFA-induced mechanical allodynia response during 8 days of treatment. As conclusion, the results demonstrated that photonic stimulus on ST36 with LLLT produces antinociceptive effect in chronic models of nociception and inflammation. These findings suggest that LLLT may constitute an important therapeutic alternative to control chronic pain.