Biological effect of He-Ne laser: investigations on functional and micromorphological alterations of cell membranes, in vitro

Abstract

A 1-J/cm2 dose of single laser-irradiation applied on primary human embryo fibroblast culture was not followed either by functional or micromorphological alterations of cell surfaces. This dose, however, applied four times with 24-hour intervals changed the functional conditions as well as surface charges of cell membranes. As detection methods, radioactive glucosamine uptake, lectin, and cationized ferritin-binding techniques were applied. At the same time, the scanning and transmission electron microscopy of laser-irradiated cells did not reveal any micromorphological or ultrastructural alterations. The effect of a 5-J/cm2 dose did not differ from that of 1 J/cm2. It is suggested that laser radiation-induced circumstances on cell surfaces can contribute to the strength of cell-to-cell contacts, i.e., to the stimulation of epithelization experienced in the clinical gynecologic practice.