Ga-As (808 nm) laser irradiation enhances ATP production in human neuronal cells in culture

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Ga-As laser irradiation can enhance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in normal human neural progenitor ( NHNP) cells in culture. Methods: NHNP were grown in tissue culture and were treated by Ga-As laser ( 808 nm, 50 mW/cm(2), 0.05 J/cm(2)), and ATP was determined at 10 min after laser application. Results: The quantity of ATP in laser-treated cells was 7513 +/- 970 units, which was significantly higher ( p < 0.05) than the non-treated cells, which comprised 3808 +/- 539 ATP units. Conclusion: Laser application to NHNP cells significantly increases ATP production in these cells. These findings may explain the beneficial effects of low-level laser therapy ( LLLT) in stroked rats. Tissue culture of NHNP cells might offer a good model to study the mechanisms associated with promotion of ATP production in the nervous system by LLLT.