Effect of pulsed infrared lasers on neural conduction and axoplasmic transport in sensory nerves

Ursula Wesselmann*, W. Zev Rymer, Shien Fong Lin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present studies were designed to evaluate the effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser light on neural impulse conduction and axoplasmic transport in sensory nerves in rats and cats. Our data indicate that Q-switched Nd:YAG laser irradiation can induce a preferential impairment of (1) the synaptic effects of small afferent fibers on dorsal horn cells in the spinal cord and of (2) small slow conducting sensory nerve fibers in dorsal roots and peripheral nerves. These results imply that laser light might have selective effects on impulse conduction in slow conducting sensory nerve fibers. In agreement with our electrophysiological observations recent histological data from our laboratory show, that axonal transport of the enzyme herseradish peroxidase is selectively impaired in small sensory nerve fibers. These data indicate, that Q-switched Nd:YAG laser irradiation can selectively impair neural conduction and axoplasmic transport in small sensory nerve fibers as compared to fast conducting fibers. A selective influence of laser irradiation on slow conducting fibers could have important clinical applications, especially for the treatment of chronic pain.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherPubl by Int Soc for Optical Engineering
Pages319-333
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)0819402419, 9780819402417
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990
EventProceedings of Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization Therapeutics, and Systems II - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Duration: Jan 14 1990Jan 19 1990

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1200
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherProceedings of Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization Therapeutics, and Systems II
CityLos Angeles, CA, USA
Period1/14/901/19/90

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of pulsed infrared lasers on neural conduction and axoplasmic transport in sensory nerves'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this