The effect of near-infrared MLS laser radiation on cell membrane structure and radical generation.

The therapeutic effects of low-power laser radiation of different wavelengths and light doses are well known, but the biochemical mechanism of the interaction of laser light with living cells is not fully understood. We have investigated the effect of MLS (Multiwave Locked System) laser near-infrared irradiation on cell membrane structure, functional properties, and free radical generation using human red blood cells and breast cancer MCF-4 cells. The cells were irradiated with low-intensity MLS near-infrared (simultaneously 808 nm, continuous emission and 905 nm, pulse emission, pulse-wave frequency, 1,000 or 2,000 Hz) laser light at light doses from 0 to 15 J (average power density 212.5 mW/cm(2), spot size was 3.18 cm(2)) at 22 °C, the activity membrane bound acetylcholinesterase, cell stability, anti-oxidative activity, and free radical generation were the parameters used in characterizing the structural and functional changes of the cell. Near-infrared low-intensity laser radiation changed the acetylcholinesterase activity of the red blood cell membrane in a dose-dependent manner: There was a considerable increase of maximal enzymatic rate and Michaelis constant due to changes in the membrane structure. Integral parameters such as erythrocyte stability, membrane lipid peroxidation, or methemoglobin levels remained unchanged. Anti-oxidative capacity of the red blood cells increased after MLS laser irradiation. This irradiation induced a time-dependent increase in free radical generation in MCF-4 cells. Low-intensity near-infrared MLS laser radiation induces free radical generation and changes enzymatic and anti-oxidative activities of cellular components. Free radical generation may be the mechanism of the biomodulative effect of laser radiation.

H-Ras and PI3K are required for the formation of circular dorsal ruffles induced by low-power laser irradiation.

The formation of circular dorsal ruffles upon growth factor stimulation facilitates the static cells for subsequent motility. Low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) has been shown to exert some promotive effects on migration and proliferation in various cell types. It is unclear whether LPLI could induce the formation of circular ruffles. In this study, using confocal fluorescence microscope, we for the first time demonstrated that LPLI could induce the production of circular ruffle structures in COS-7 cells. These structures were proved to be actin-based and originated from membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol. Ras was shown to be activated by LPLI and expression of YFP-H-Ras (N17), a dominant negative H-Ras, blocked the generation of circular ruffles induced by LPLI. Wortmannin, PI3K inhibitor, potently suppressed the formation of LPLI-induced circular ruffles in a dose-dependent manner. However, blocking the activation of PKC, which was activated during LPLI-induced cell proliferation in our previous study, had no effect on the formation of circular ruffles. Thus, both H-Ras and PI3K were required for the formation of circular ruffles induced by LPLI and the generation of circular ruffles provides new information for the mechanisms of biological effects of LPLI. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 535-543, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.