Abstract
Purpose: Evaluation of the effects of laser photocoagulation on cultured primary retinal pigment epithelial cells. Methods: Cells were treated by a diode laser (678 nm) with 800 and 1600 mW for 0.186 second. Cell toxicity was tested by the WST-1 assay, and the uptakes of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured. Results: Laser photocoagulation (1600 mW) caused cell damage and the mitochondrial enzyme activity evaluated by a WST-1 test significantly decreased by 20%–30%. Laser treatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in glutamate uptake but increased GABA uptake. Conclusions: Laser treatment and the laser-induced increase in temperature influence transport processes in retinal pigment epithelial cells and may cause cell damage in the posterior part of the retina.
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