title: Locomotory characteristics of fibroblasts within a three-dimensional collagen lattice: modulation by a helium/neon soft laser.
abstract: It has been postulated that low energy (soft) lasers can enhance wound healing. Considering the importance of cell locomotion in the wound healing process, we have studied the effects of a helium/neon laser upon the locomotory behaviour of a population of fibroblasts migrating within a three-dimensional hydrated collagen lattice. Statistical methods were used to quantify cell three-dimensional trajectories obtained using a computer-assisted tracking system. A two-minute exposure of embryonic fibroblasts to soft laser light decreased the speed and increased the frequency and duration of stops compared to controls. The locomotory phenotype induced in embryonic fibroblasts by the laser light resembled that of the developmentally older c20 fibroblasts, which are known to express a more mature locomotory phenotype. The relevance of these results to wound healing is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Noble
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Blecher
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Bentley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D003094:Collagen; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000196:embryology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007834:Lasers; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D010641:Phenotype; D011784:Quail; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen