INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a systemic condition that can cause delayed tissue response to injury. Several studies have demonstrated laser therapy as an important tool to aid the process of tissue repair. However, few studies have been conducted with the use of LED (Light Emitting Diode). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the low intensity LED (λ = 945 ± 20 nm) therapy effect on epithelial tissue of diabetic rats in the healing process. METHODS: The induction of experimental diabetes was performed in 20 male rats (Wistar) with the intravenous administration of 40mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate diluted in buffer solution. After 14 days the animals underwent tissue incision in the dorsal region, followed by suture, and divided into control groups (GI and GIII, 3 and 7 days post-injury, respectively) and groups treated with LED (GII and GIV, 3 and 7 days post-injury, respectively). The treated groups (n = 10) were irradiated transcutaneously, in two sessions (30 minutes, 48 hours post-injury). RESULTS: The number of fibroblasts was significantly higher in GIV compared to GIII. CONCLUSION: Considering the increase of fibroblasts (quantitative analysis) and appropriate closing of the lesion (qualitative analysis), we conclude that LED therapy in the near infrared region causes a positive effect on healing process after 7 days in tissue injury in diabetic animals (GIV).
LED; Rissue repair; Diabetes mellitus
