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In vivo and in vitro HeNe laser effects on phagocyte functions
G Ricevuti1, A Mazzone, C Monaia
1Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Helium-neon (HeNe) laser irradiation significantly impairs granulocyte migration and aggregation, but not superoxide release. This laser therapy affects cellular centrosomes, impacting microtubule organization and granulocyte function, warranting further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Immunocompetent cells play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Laser therapy is being explored for various medical applications.
- Understanding the effects of specific laser types on immune cells is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of helium-neon (HeNe) laser irradiation on immunocompetent cells.
- To evaluate dose-dependent and independent effects on cellular functions.
- To identify the specific cellular mechanisms affected by HeNe laser exposure.
Main Methods:
- In vivo skin window method to assess cellular migration.
- In vitro granulocyte function tests, including aggregation and superoxide release.
- Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies to study cellular morphology and components.
Main Results:
- HeNe laser irradiation significantly decreased granulocyte migration both in vitro and in vivo, independent of dose.
- Granulocyte aggregation induced by PHA and PMA was significantly reduced, while aggregation induced by Ca2+ ionophore A23187 remained unaffected.
- Laser irradiation led to disorganization of microtubules within the cellular centrosome, altering cell morphology, while mitochondrial and surface membrane functions remained intact.
Conclusions:
- HeNe laser irradiation primarily affects granulocyte migration and aggregation, likely due to damage to centrioles and microtubule disorganization.
- The observed alterations in granulocyte function are linked to centrosome damage, not to superoxide release or surface membrane integrity.
- Further research is needed to explore the clinical potential of HeNe lasers in diseases involving immunophagocytic pathways.
Abstract:
The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of helium-neon (HeNe) laser irradiation on immunocompetent cells. We used the in vivo skin window method and in vitro granulocyte function tests. The study of cellular migration showed a marked decrease in vitro and in vivo in a dose-independent manner. Superoxide release was not modified by laser irradiation. The granulocyte's aggregation, when using PHA and PMA, presented a reduction that was statistically very significant, not as a subordinate dose. An increase of the release of ATP was demonstrated only at 4 joules and precedes granulocyte aggregation. When using Ca2+ ionophore A23187 as stimulus, laser irradiation at 1, 2 or 4J did not show any modification of granulocyte aggregation. The monoclonal antibody 60.1, which identifies a membrane antigen fundamental for aggregation and chemotaxis, is expressed in normal amounts on granulocyte membranes both before and after irradiation with a HeNe laser. In fact, Laser irradiation preferentially attacks the area of the cellular centrosome that determines a modification of cellular morphology. The electron microscope and immunofluorescence study with a monoclonal antibody have pointed out a disorganization of the microtubules. The alteration of some of the granulocyte functions is correlated to the damage in the centrioles. The granulocyte mitochondrial system and surface membrane remain intact, and this explains the normal production and release of free radicals. Further experiments are necessary to evaluate the clinical application of lasers in various diseases with immunophagocytic pathogenesis.
