Photobiomodulation on cultured cortical neurons

Photobiomodulation (PBM) with near-infrared light (810 nm laser) has been shown to have marked effects on neuronal cells. In this chapter, three papers, all using the same model, of primary cultured mouse cortical neurons are discussed. In the first paper, the biphasic and triphasic dose response curves of light on reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide release, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular calcium, and ATP were measured. In the second paper, the ability of PBM to reverse the damaging effects of oxidative stress caused by three different agents (cobalt chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and rotenone) was investigated. In the third paper, the excitotoxicity effects produced by three different neurotransmitters like molecules (glutamate, N-methyl-d-aspartate, and kainate) were reversed by PBM. Excessive calcium and reactive oxygen species levels were lowered in injured cells while they were elevated in normal cells. In all cases, the MMP and ATP levels were increased by PBM.