Low level laser therapy (LLLT) modulates ovarian function in mature female mice

Abstract

It is known that LLLT has beneficial effects on several pathological conditions including wound healing,pain and inflammation. LLLT modulates biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis andangiogenesis. In the present study, we examined the effect of local application of LLLT on follicular dynamics,ovarian reserve, AMH expression, progesterone levels, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and reproductiveoutcome in adult mice. LLLT (200 J/cm2) increased the percentage of primary and preantral follicles,whilst decreasing the percentage of corpora lutea compared to control ovaries. LLLT-treated ovaries didnot exhibit any changes regarding the number of primordial follicles.We observed a higher percentage ofAMH-positive follicles (in early stages of development) in LLLT-treated ovaries compared to controlovaries. LLLT reduced the P4 concentration and the apoptosis in early antral follicles compared to controlones. LLLT caused a reduction in the endothelial cell area and an increase in the periendothelial cell areain the ovary. Additionally, LLLT was able to improve oocyte quality. Our findings suggest that localapplication of LLLT modulates follicular dynamics by regulating apoptosis and the vascular stability inmouse ovary. In conclusion, these data indicate that LLLT might become a novel and useful tool in thetreatment of several pathologies, including female reproductive disorders.