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 C-14-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. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:442-447, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.