The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on cytokine levels and angiogenesis during oral wound healing. Ulcers were made on the dorsum of the tongue in 48 Wistar rats. Irradiation with an indium-gallium-aluminum-phosphide (InGaAlP) laser (660 nm; output power, 40 mW; spot size, 0.04 cm(2)) was performed once a day on two points of the ulcer for 14 days. Two different energy densities were used: 4 J/cm(2) (energy per point 0.16 J, total energy 0.32 J) and 20 J/cm(2) (energy per point 0.8 J, total energy 1.6 J). Tissue levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Image analysis of CD31-immunostained sections was used to investigate microvessel density (MVD). PBM increased the tissue levels of IL-1β at the early stage of oral wound healing (p < 0.01) and increased the tissue levels of TNF-α during all stages of oral wound healing (p < 0.05). PBM at a dose of 4 J/cm(2) produced more significant results regarding cytokine modulation and was associated with higher MVD at day 5. Collectively, these findings indicate that cytokine modulation and increased angiogenesis are among the basic mechanisms whereby PBM improves oral wound repair.
Keywords: Cytokines; Diode laser; Low-level laser; Neovascularization; Wound healing.