Locomotory characteristics of fibroblasts within a three-dimensional collagen lattice: Modulation by a helium/neon soft laser
✍ Scribed by Peter B. Noble; Edward D. Shields; Peter D. M. Blecher; Kenneth C. Bentley
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1992
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 604 KB
- Volume
- 12
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0196-8092
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
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 heliumheon 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 computerassisted 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.