ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the modulatory effects of near infrared (780 nm) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the presence of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the partially injured Achilles tendons of rats. Background: LLLT stimulates the healing process for Achilles tendon injuries, although the extent of the modulatory effect of LLLT on the VEGF levels found in the injured tendons remains unclear. Methods: Sixty-five male Wistar rats were distributed in the following seven groups: LASER 1, 3, and 7 (10 partially injured Achilles tendons in each group, which were treated with LLLT for 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively); Sham 1, 3, and 7 (same injury, with simulated LLLT); Control group containing the five remaining animals and in which no procedures were performed. LLLT was applied once a day for 10 sec, with a mean power of 70mW and fluency of 17.5 J/cm(2). After euthanasia, all of the Achilles tendons were surgically removed and the VEGF levels were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Results: The VEGF levels remained close to normal (p > 0.05) when comparing the experimental groups (LASER and Sham: 1, 3, and 7) with the Control group. Conclusion: LLLT did not stimulate the expression of VEGF in the treated Achilles tendons
Subject(s)
BiophysicsABSTRACT
The presence of specialized cells for venom production in the Lonomia obliqua caterpillar has long been a controversial topic. In this study, we identify a cell inside the spine that specializes in the production of toxins. Our histological study showed that this glandular cell was inserted at the subapical region of the spine, in a constricted region like a ring. This cell type was not observed in all spines of the scolus. The constricted region of the spine observed by scanning electron microscopy displayed a circular groove in which the apical portion of the spine fits perfectly; however, some spines in the same scolus lacked this groove. After breaking off the spine at the most apical region, a small drop of orange or green liquid was observed to flow from its tip. These secretions were analysed by MALDI-ToF and found to possess biochemically different compositions. The green secretion demonstrated greater similarity to the haemolymph of the caterpillar than the orange secretion. Based on our findings, the spines with a groove probably contain the venom glands and produce an orange secretion. However; it is also possible that both secretions play an important role in envenoming because all spines in contact with the skin of the accidental victim should break regardless of whether they are present in a groove. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
