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A Protocol for Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy in Mice
Published on: November 18, 2018
Low-level laser therapy regulates microglial function through Src-mediated signaling pathways: implications for
Sheng Song1, Feifan Zhou, Wei R Chen
1MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, No, 55 Zhongshan Avenue West, Guangzhou, Tianhe District, 510631, China.
Journal of Neuroinflammation
|September 20, 2012
Summary
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) reduces inflammation and enhances microglial phagocytosis in neurodegenerative disease models. This therapy activates Src, a key signaling molecule, to suppress inflammatory responses and promote debris clearance, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Activated microglia are implicated in neurodegenerative disease pathology.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-damaging physical therapy with potential therapeutic applications.
- Investigating LLLT's effects on microglia is crucial for understanding neuroprotection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of He-Ne LLLT on activated microglia.
- To elucidate LLLT-induced signaling pathways involved in neuroprotection.
- To assess LLLT's influence on microglial phagocytic responses.
Main Methods:
- Microglial activation was induced using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV2 cells.
- A Transwell™ system modeled neuroprotection with neuronal and microglial cells under LLLT.
- Fluorescence-labeled microspheres quantified LLLT's effect on microglial phagocytosis.
Main Results:
- LLLT (20 J/cm²) attenuated toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammation by down-regulating cytokine expression and nitric oxide (NO) production.
- LLLT activated tyrosine kinases Src and Syk, inhibiting MyD88-dependent signaling.
- Src activation enhanced Rac1 activity and F-actin accumulation, promoting microglial phagocytosis via the Src/PI3K/Akt/Rac1 pathway.
Conclusions:
- Src plays a critical role in LLLT-mediated suppression of inflammation and enhancement of phagocytosis in activated microglia.
- A novel neuroprotective signaling pathway involving microglial phagocytosis and inflammation regulation by LLLT was identified.
- LLLT presents a promising therapeutic approach for managing neurodegenerative disease progression.
