Forum Abstract

Low-level laser (or light) therapy (LLLT) is attracting growing interest to treat stroke and other CNS diseases. The fact that near-infrared light can penetrate into the brain allows non-invasive treatment to be carried out with a low likelihood of treatment-related adverse events. It is proposed that red and NIR light is absorbed by chromophores in the mitochondria of cells leading to increased ATP production, nitric oxide release, and formation of low levels of reactive oxygen species. All these mediators can alter gene transcription and upregulate proteins involved in cell survival, antioxidant production, collagen synthesis, reduction of chronic inflammation and cell migration and proliferation. This presentation will cover both in vitro experiments in illuminated cultured cortical neurons and in vivo studies using transcranial laser in a mouse model of TBI.

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