Effects of low-level laser irradiation in ultrastructural morphology, and immunoexpression of VEGF and VEGFR-2 of rat masseter muscle

The present study evaluates by ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods, the possible changes on muscular tissue affected by LLLI during a treatment, for example, in cases of temporomandibular joint disorders. Sixty male Wistar rats divided into 6 groups (n = 10) received ten laser irradiations, with different energy densities (groups I-0; II-0.5; III-1.0; IV-2.5; V-5.0; and VI-20 J/cm2). Muscles were removed and processed for transmission electron microscopic and immunohistochemical (VEGF and VEGFR-2) analyses. Captured photomicrographs of immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy were evaluated. It was observed in the irradiated muscles, mitochondria of different shapes and sizes, with increased plasticity evidenced by organelles in fusion, division and the presence of elongated structures with characteristics of mitochondria, proximity with the dilated sarcoplasmatic reticulum, suggesting organelles with large amounts of energy, and the presence of cytoplasmic protrusions in the capillaries with high dosages. All studied groups showed immunostainings for both markers (VEGF and VEGFR-2), but in general those who received higher doses also showed the markings more pronounced, suggesting dose-dependent biomodulation. It was concluded that the LLLI was able to modify the ultrastructural characteristics and immunohistochemical pattern of VEGF and VEGFR-2 in the masseter muscle of rats.