Mitochondrial light absorption and its effect on ATP production

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or phototherapy, has received a lot of attention over the last decade. It has been used with great success in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies to promote wound healing. The exact mechanism of action is, however, not well understood, and a number of theories exist. Increasingly, many researchers have studied these underlying mechanisms, and there is growing evidence and a general consensus that mitochondria are the absorbing chromophore for red and near-infrared (NIR) laser light (600-1000 nm). Photon energy is absorbed by the mitochondrial chromophore and is converted to chemical energy and in doing so stimulates the cell. This chapter focuses on the effects of LLLT on cells and explores the influence on mitochondria and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).