Low‐intensity laser irradiation stimulates bone nodule formation via insulin‐like growth factor‐I expression in rat calvarial cells

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.