Transcutaneous Xenon Light Irradiation Around the Stellate Ganglion Increases Skeletal Muscle Blood flow in the Upper Extremity

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify whether transcutaneous xenon light irradiation around the stellate ganglion increases skeletal muscle blood flow in the upper extremity. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in this study. They received 10 minutes transcutaneous xenon light irradiation around the bilateral stellate ganglions in a comfortable supine position (Xe-LISG), and 10 minutes supine rest without Xe-LISG (control) on two different days. Concentrations of oxyhemoglobin (HbO₂) in the bilateral biceps and triceps brachii muscles were continuously measured during the experiments using near-infrared spectroscopy. [Result] The concentrations of HbO₂ in both the biceps and triceps brachii muscles continued to increase during Xe-LISG. In contrast, they remained almost constant during the control. Moreover, the concentrations of HbO₂ in both the biceps and triceps brachii muscles during Xe-LISG were always higher than those during the control. [Conclusion] These results strongly suggest that Xe-LISG increases skeletal muscle blood flow in the upper extremity.