title: The production of VEGF involving MAP kinase activation by low level laser therapy in human granulosa cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The function of granulosa cells is regulated by various hormones and growth factors. Our aim is to clarify the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by low level laser therapy (LLLT) in human granulosa cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  A human granulosa cell line, KGN cells, were cultured and incubated after LLLT (60mW, GaAlAs 830nm). The levels of VEGF in the culture media were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The activation of MAP kinase in KGN cells was detected by western blot analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  VEGF production was significantly increased by LLLT in a time-dependent manner. MAP kinase activity was increased by LLLT. In addition it was enhanced by LLLT and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggested that VEGF is induced by LLLT through mechanisms involving MAPK. The increase in VEGF may contribute to neovascularization, which in turn would promote various ovulation phenomena as well as follicular growth.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
authors: Yasushi
authors: Y
authors: Kawano
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
authors: Yufuko
authors: Y
authors: Utsunomiya-Kai
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
authors: Kentaro
authors: K
authors: Kai
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
authors: Isao
authors: I
authors: Miyakawa
authors: Japan Medical Laser Laboratory, Shinano-machi, Tokyo, Japan.
authors: Toshio
authors: T
authors: Ohshiro
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
authors: Hisashi
authors: H
authors: Narahara
keywords: VEGF; granulosa cell; low level laser therapy