Source
Department of Orthodontics, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kanda, Surugadai, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo101-8310, Japan. shimizu-n@dent.nihon-u.ac.jp
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
We previously reported that low-intensity laser irradiation stimulated bone nodule formation through enhanced cellular proliferation and differentiation. However, the mechanisms of irradiation are unclear. Thus, we attempted to determine the responsibility of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I for the action observed.
STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Osteoblast-like cells were isolated from fetal rat calvariae and cultured with rat recombinant (r) IGF-I, IGF-I-antibody (Ab), and/or the cells were irradiated once (3.75 J/cm(2)) with a low-intensity Ga-Al-As laser (830 nm). The number and area of bone nodules formed in the culture were analyzed, and IGF-I expression was also examined.
RESULTS:
Treatment with rIGF-I significantly stimulated the number and area of bone nodules. This stimulatory effect was quite similar to those by laser irradiation, and this stimulation was abrogated dose-dependently by treatment with IGF-I-Ab. Moreover, laser irradiation significantly increased IGF-I protein and gene expression.
CONCLUSION:
The stimulatory effect of bone nodule formation by low-intensity laser irradiation will be at least partly mediated by IGF-I expression.
(c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.