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1767203 
Journal Article 
Low-Level Laser-Accelerated Peripheral Nerve Regeneration within a Reinforced Nerve Conduit across a Large Gap of the Transected Sciatic Nerve in Rats 
Shen, CC; Yang, YiC; Huang, T; Chan, SC; Liu, B 
2013 
Yes 
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
ISSN: 1741-427X
EISSN: 1741-4288 
2013 
175629 
English 
23737818 
WOS:000319151700001 
This study proposed a novel combination of neural
regeneration techniques for the repair of damaged peripheral nerves. A biodegradable nerve
conduit containing genipin-cross-linked gelatin was annexed using beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP)
ceramic particles (genipin-gelatin-TCP, GGT) to bridge the transection of a 15 mm sciatic nerve
in rats. Two trigger points were irradiated transcutaneously using 660 nm of gallium-aluminum
arsenide phosphide (GaAlAsP) via laser diodes for 2 min daily over 10 consecutive days. Walking
track analysis showed a significant improvement in sciatic functional index (SFI) (P < 0.01) and
pronounced improvement in the toe spreading ability of rats undergoing laser stimulation.
Electrophysiological measurements (peak amplitude and area) illustrated by compound muscle action
potential (CMAP) curves demonstrated that laser stimulation significantly improved nerve function
and reduced muscular atrophy. Histomorphometric assessments revealed that laser stimulation
accelerated nerve regeneration over a larger area of neural tissue, resulting in axons of greater
diameter and myelin sheaths of greater thickness than that observed in rats treated with nerve
conduits alone. Motor function, electrophysiological reactions, muscular reinnervation, and
histomorphometric assessments all demonstrate that the proposed therapy accelerated the repair of
transected peripheral nerves bridged using a GGT nerve conduit.