Role of L-arginine in the biological effects of blue light

Anu M. Makela M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.660038

25 October 2005 Role of L-arginine in the biological effects of blue light

Anu M. Makela M.D.

Proceedings Volume 5968, Laser Florence 2004: A Window on the Laser Medicine World; 596805 (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.660038
Event: Laser Florence 2004, 2004, Florence, Italy

Abstract

Arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, and metabolites of arginine exert multiple biological effects. It has been known that arginine causes the release of various hormones such as insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenal catecholamines. Arginine infusion also produces vasodilation, and in the kidney increased plasma flow accompanied by increases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Recent studies have showed that blue and red light irradiation in vitro and in vivo can increase production of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion, and related reactive oxygen species (ROS). These then can modulate the production and secretion of several cytokines and other mediators and play an important role as regulatory mediators in signaling processes which can then modulate the production, mobilization and homing of stem cells. It is proposed that some of the therapeutic effects of light can be considered to be due to the changes in the metabolism of L-arginine. The regulation of L-arginine turnover by the use of light at blue wavelengths between 400nm and 510nm can be the explanation for some of the observed effects of blue light: lowering of blood pressure, pain killing effect, regulating insulin production, anti-inflammatory action, and possible effects on the release and homing of stem cells.

Citation Download Citation

Anu M. Makela M.D. "Role of L-arginine in the biological effects of blue light", Proc. SPIE 5968, Laser Florence 2004: A Window on the Laser Medicine World, 596805 (25 October 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.660038

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