Background and objective: The 1,450-nm Smoothbeam Laser is a diode laser equipped with a cryogen cooling spray. Primary objectives were to evaluate the effects of this non-ablative laser on Apligraf (bioengineered skin-substitute) and to document its use as a model for non-ablative procedures. We also measured the effects of laser fluence levels on collagen and elastin expression.
Study design/materials and methods: Three sheets of Apligraf were used for this study. Each received six separate laser applications at 4J, 6J, 8J, 10 J, 12J, and 14J. The sheets were then incubated with 10% CO(2) at 37 degrees C and samples were collected and analyzed 3 days later, using RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining.
Results: Collagen III expressions significantly increased in both mRNA and protein levels at approximately 12 J.
Conclusions: There appears to be a threshold effect where there is very little increased collagen III mRNA and protein expression until the laser fluence reaches around 12J.
(c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.