Sensory neuron response to emission from a CO2 laser

We have built a wavelength-tunable CO 2 laser meeting the requirements for low-intensity laser therapy. At λ = 10.57 μm and 9.24 μm, we observe a physiological effect detectable from the change in the extent of neurite outgrowth from sensory neurons. This makes it possible to study molecular mechanisms for interaction of low-intensity radiation with tissues in a living body. The ATP molecule is considered as the specific molecular target for the action of the radiation.