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Modulations of VEGF and iNOS in the rat heart by low level laser therapy are associated with cardioprotection and enhanced angiogenesis
Author(s) -
Tuby Hana,
Maltz Lidya,
Oron Uri
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20377
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , cardioprotection , medicine , myocardial infarction , vascular endothelial growth factor , neovascularization , infarction , cardiology , nitric oxide synthase , artery , vegf receptors , nitric oxide
Background and Objectives It has been shown previously that low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces infarct size following induction of myocardial infarction in rats and dogs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LLLT on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Study Design and Material and Methods Myocardial infarction was induced by occlusion of the left descending artery in 87 rats. LLLT was applied to intact and post‐infarction. VEGF, iNOS, and angiogenesis were determined. Results Both the laser‐irradiated rat hearts post‐infarction and intact hearts demonstrated a significant increase in VEGF and iNOS expression compared to non‐laser‐irradiated hearts. LLLT also caused a significant elevation in angiogenesis. Conclusions It is concluded that VEGF and iNOS expression in the infarcted rat heart is markedly upregulated by LLLT and is associated with enhanced angiogenesis and cardioprotection. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.