Effect of low-power laser irradiation on protein synthesis and ultrastructure of human gingival fibroblasts.
OBJECTIVE
Low-power lasers improve wound healing. Cell proliferation and protein secretion are important steps of this process. The aim of this study was to analyze both protein synthesis and ultrastructural morphology of human gingival fibroblasts irradiated by a low-power laser.


METHODS
The cell line FMM1 was grown in nutritional deficit. Laser irradiation was carried out with a gallium-aluminum-arsenate (Ga-Al-As) diode laser (904 nm, 120 mW, energy density of 3 J/cm(2)). The protein synthesis analysis and ultrastructural morphology of control (non-irradiated) and irradiated cultures were obtained.


RESULTS
There were changes in the structure of cytoplasm organelles of treated cells. The procollagen was not altered by the laser irradiation; however, there were a significant reduction of the amount of protein in the DMEM conditioned by irradiated cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-power laser irradiation causes ultrastructural changes in cultured fibroblasts. We suggest that these alterations may lead to disturbances in the collagen metabolism.
Marques
Márcia M
MM
Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil.
Pereira
Aymann N
AN
Fujihara
Neusa A
NA
Nogueira
Fernando N
FN
Eduardo
Carlos P
CP
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005881:Gingiva / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011347:Procollagen / Q000096:biosynthesis
D017077:Culture Media, Conditioned; D011347:Procollagen; D003094:Collagen