ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The mechanism by which visible light stimulates chronobiological phase-shifting or antidepressant effects in humans is unknown. METHODS: Normal human NIH/3T3 nonpigmented fibroblasts were irradiated with a visible light source (SunRay) used in the treatment of winter seasonal depression. Electron spin resonance was assessed before and after 10 min of illumination at 2 mW/cm(2) (illuminance of 3700 lux), with and without the presence of 5 microL of 0.0214 mg/mL vitamin C. RESULTS: The fibroblasts showed evidence of production of reactive oxygen species after 10 min of irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: These in vitro data establish that an antidepressant source of visible light is capable of inducing the production of reactive oxygen species in skin. Such species may participate in signal transduction pathways leading to mood changes.
Subject(s)
Depression/metabolism , Light , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Seasonal Affective Disorder/metabolism , Cell Line , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Fibroblasts/radiation effects , Signal Transduction , Time FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations are very important in control of sperm motility and acrosome reaction. It was shown previously that low-power lasers in the visible and near-infrared range alter Ca2+ uptake by sperm cells. In the present work the effect of a 780 nm diode laser on Ca2+ uptake by sperm mitochondria and isolated plasma membrane vesicles is investigated. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digitonin-treated spermatozoa and plasma membrane vesicles were irradiated with a 780-nm diode laser at various powers and energy doses, and Ca2+ uptake was measured by the filtration method. RESULTS: It was found that 780-nm irradiation inhibits Ca2+ uptake by the mitochondria but stimulates Ca2+ binding by sperm plasma membrane vesicles. The effect of light on Ca2+ uptake by plasma membrane vesicles in the absence of ATP was much larger than that measured in the presence of ATP. Addition of Ca2+ ionophore decreased the Ca2+ uptake by the irradiated membranes in the presence of ATP but enhanced it significantly in the absence of ATP. CONCLUSION: 780 nm light inhibits Ca2+ uptake by sperm mitochondria and enhances Ca2+ binding to sperm plasma membranes.
Subject(s)
Calcium/metabolism , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Lasers , Mitochondria/metabolism , Spermatozoa/metabolism , Animals , Biological Transport/radiation effects , Cattle , Cells, Cultured , Male , Radiation Dosage , Spermatozoa/ultrastructureABSTRACT
Two ELISA techniques (indirect and sandwich) were used for detection of influenza HA in three HA-containing specimens: whole influenza virus, HA + NA, isolated HA. Adsorptive and antigenic properties of the HA were found to depend on its physicochemical state and molecular environment.
Subject(s)
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Hemagglutinins, Viral/analysis , Orthomyxoviridae/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Antigens, Viral/analysis , Guinea Pigs , Immunosorbent Techniques , Neuraminidase/immunology , RabbitsABSTRACT
Haemagglutinin (HA), a mixture of haemagglutinin and neuraminidase (HA + NA), and matrix (M) protein were isolated from the influenza A virus and covalently coupled to a synthetic polyelectrolyte (P). A single injection into mice of the resultant conjugates (virogates) brought about efficient stimulation of the primary immune response specific to the corresponding viral antigens. Mice immunized with virogates HA.P or (HA + NA).P were largely protected against a lethal challenge infection with homologous virus. Immunization of mice with M.P virogate containing M protein originated from a 1934 influenza strain resulted in pronounced protection against a lethal challenge infection with a 1980 strain. Virogates are discussed as a novel model of artificial vaccines.
