Electrophysiologic and histomorphometric evaluation of sciatic nerve from rats submitted to the end-to-side neurorrahaphy after AsGaAl laser (808nm) application

• Grant number: 07/04387-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2008
• End date: March 31, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Helio Plapler
• Grantee: Helio Plapler
• Host Institution: Departamento de Cirurgia. Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the literature one observes many divergences between reports regarding to the use of the low power laser in the treatment of the peripheral nerves injuries. This project will investigate the effect of the low power laser in the postoperative of sciatic nerve of rats submitted to an end-to-side neurorrhaphy. Sixty EPM-1 Wistar male rats weighting 250 - 300 g will be distributed in three groups: control group (a), ‘Sham’ group (b) which will not receive the laser application and one group in which the laser will be applied (c). The AsGaAl laser (808 nm) will be used in a continuous way, with a density of energy of 6 J/cm ². Laser application will start on first postoperative day, being three applications week, through three weeks. The functional recovery is measured by means of the march evaluation, based on the sciatic functional index (SFI) and by electrophysiologic evaluation using electroneuromyography. Biopsy for histomorphomertric analysis will be taken from the region of the neurorrahaphy: group (a) will act as basal values; in groups (b) and (c) the biopsy will be effected in 60º and 120º day after the surgical procedure. (AU)