Effects of low‐energy gallium‐aluminum‐arsenide laser irradiation on cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes

Abstract

Background and Objective To assess whether the gallium-aluminum-arsenide low energy laser will increase cell proliferation, cell attachment, or cell migration in cultured fibroblasts and keratinocyte models. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Monolayer cultures of fibroblasts and keratinocytes were subjected to gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser irradiation at varying power densities for varying time intervals. Cell proliferation was assessed by absorbent spectrophotometry while cell adhesion was assessed by a microcolorimetric assay for cells attached to bovine dermis collagen. Cell migration was assessed through a filter utilizing high power microscopic fields. Results There were no differences in cell proliferation, adhesion, or migration in either the fibroblast or keratinocyte culture treated with the gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser at any power density of time compared with nontreated controls. Conclusion The gallium-aluminum arsenide laser, when utilized at powers of 5–100 milliwatts and times of between 10–120 seconds has no biostimulatory effect on fibroblasts or keratinocyte cultures as assessed by cell proliferation, adhesion, or migration. Lasers Surg. Med. 20:426–432, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.