SOFT LASER (904 NM) IRRADIATION INDUCES CYTOKINE RELEASE BY HUMAN MONONUCLEAR-CELLS

This study evaluates the effects of laser treatment (ASA AMICO S) on m onocytes and lymphocytes in culture, irradiated at varying frequencies and then incubated. The results obtained show that, at different freq uencies, the laser beam can induce the release of some cytokines which are capable of exerting modulatory effects on several biological func tions. Interestingly, the release of IL-1alpha and TNFalpha is conside rably higher than that obtained using Con A as a standard challenge. T he notable increase in IL-1alpha release persists even 48h after the l aser exposure, indicating that the laser does not interfere with lymph ocyte activation induced by mitogens or antigens. Therefore, the fact that: I) the release of cytokines occurs in laser-induced tissue repai r and immune response by monocytes and II) the laser does not interfer e with cytokine production by activated lymphocytes, is encouraging to the therapeutic success of low-energy laser treatment.