In Vivo Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of HSP70 and Laser Preconditioning in Murine Incisional Wounds

Abstract

Laser preconditioning augments incisional wound healing by reducing scar tissue and increasing maximum tensile load of the healed wound. Under the hypothesis that HSP70 plays an active role in reported results and to better understand the downstream effects of laser preconditioning, this study utilized a probe-based Raman spectroscopy system to achieve an in-vivo, spatio-temporal biochemical profile of murine skin incisional wounds as a function of laser preconditioning and the presence of HSP70. Raman spectra yielded significant differences in known biochemical peaks between wild-type (WT) and HSP70 knockout mice. Analysis of peak ratios indicated 1) an increase in protein configuration on and surrounding the wound, and 2) increased cellularity that was prolonged in WT mice due to laser treatment. HSP70 is active in protein configuration and cellularity of early wound healing. Laser preconditioning enhances the effects of HSP70 in ways consistent with findings of previous studies. Raman spectroscopy proved a convenient non-invasive method of obtaining information for evaluating these effects and efficacy of wound healing laser treatment.