Photobiomodulation (PBM) with red and near-infrared (NIR) light has been extensively studied for its influence on mitochondrial activity, particularly adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. A search conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, and LILACS databases using search terms related to “red laser,” “infrared laser,” and “ATP” yielded 56 relevant studies. Collectively, these studies suggest that red and infrared laser irradiation may support ATP synthesis under various biological conditions and parameters.
Red and Infrared Lasers in Cellular Energy Modulation
Multiple studies have explored how specific PBM wavelengths can interact with mitochondrial components involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Among the most frequently investigated mechanisms is the modulation of cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) activity and downstream effects on ATP synthesis. In preclinical models of wound healing, stroke, and myocardial infarction, red and infrared lasers (ranging from 635 to 1064 nm) have been associated with elevated ATP content in irradiated tissues. For example, Keshri et al. (2016) reported that 810 nm laser light enhanced ATP levels up to 3.8-fold in immunosuppressed rats, while Lapchak and De Taboada (2010) showed that pulsed-wave NIR laser therapy (808 nm) significantly increased cortical ATP content in a stroke model.
Cell culture studies have also demonstrated ATP-related effects. Silva et al. (2016) found that 685 nm and 830 nm irradiation restored intracellular ATP levels in myoblasts exposed to venom, suggesting a protective role through ATP modulation. Similarly, Wang et al. (2015) and Wang et al. (2013) described ATP synthesis and release dynamics in mast cells and dorsal root ganglia following red laser exposure, with accompanying increases in intracellular calcium and ecto-ATPase activity.
The increase in ATP content has not been limited to a single mechanism. Some studies suggest effects on gene expression, mitochondrial membrane potential, and even on purified ATP molecules. Masha et al. (2013) observed upregulation of genes coding for ETC complexes and ATP synthase following 660 nm irradiation. Ravera et al. (2019) showed that 1064 nm light modulated ATP production by interacting with Fo-F1 ATP synthase, while Amat et al. (2004) described physical and chemical alterations in irradiated ATP molecules.
Tissue-Level Findings
In in vivo studies, ATP elevation following red or infrared irradiation has been reported in the brain (Mochizuki-Oda et al., 2002), heart tissue following coronary occlusion (Oron et al., 2012), and lymphocytes (Benedicenti et al., 2008). These results were typically observed under controlled temperature conditions, suggesting a non-thermal mechanism of action.
Fluence, wavelength, and mode of delivery (continuous vs. pulsed) appear to play a critical role in outcomes. For example, Ravera et al. (2019) reported that ATP synthesis increased at a fluence of 0.5 W/cm², but higher power densities resulted in diminished effects. Similarly, Lapchak and De Taboada (2010) observed dose-dependent increases in cortical ATP, with pulsed-wave delivery achieving significantly greater effects than continuous wave.
Conclusion
Findings from experimental models and in vitro studies indicate that red and infrared laser light may enhance ATP production through multiple mechanisms. These effects appear to depend on wavelength, fluence, pulse parameters, and cell type. While the evidence points to potential applications in supporting mitochondrial bioenergetics and cellular recovery, more research is warranted to refine treatment protocols and fully elucidate the pathways involved.
References:
Amat A, Rigau J, Nicolau R, Aalders M, Rosa Fenoll M, van Gemer M, et al. Effect of red and near-infrared laser light on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the luciferine–luciferase reaction. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 2004;168(1-2):59–65. doi:10.1016/j.jphotochem.2004.05.024
Benedicenti S, Pepe IM, Angiero F, Benedicenti A. Intracellular ATP Level Increases in Lymphocytes Irradiated with Infrared Laser Light of Wavelength 904 nm. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2008;26(5):451–453. doi:10.1089/pho.2007.2218
Keshri GK, Gupta A, Yadav A, Sharma SK, Singh SB. Photobiomodulation with Pulsed and Continuous Wave Near-Infrared Laser (810 nm, Al-Ga-As) Augments Dermal Wound Healing in Immunosuppressed Rats. PLoS One. 2016;11(11):e0166705. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166705.
Lapchak PA, De Taboada L. Transcranial near infrared laser treatment (NILT) increases cortical adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) content following embolic strokes in rabbits. Brain research. 2010; 1306:100–105. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.10.022
Masha RT, Houreld NN, Abrahamse H. Low-Intensity Laser Irradiation at 660 nm Stimulates Transcription of Genes Involved in the Electron Transport Chain. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2013;31(2):47–53. doi:10.1089/pho.2012.3369
Mochizuki-Oda N, Kataoka Y, Cui Y, Yamada H, Heya M, Awazu K. Effects of near-infra-red laser irradiation on adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate contents of rat brain tissue. Neuroscience Letters. 2002;323(3):207–210. doi:10.1016/s0304-3940(02)00159-3
Oron U, Yaakobi T, Oron A, Mordechovitz D, Shofti R, Hayam G, et al. Low-energy laser irradiation reduces formation of scar tissue after myocardial infarction in rats and dogs. Circulation. 2001;103(2):296–301. doi:10.1161/01.cir.103.2.296
Ravera S, Ferrando S, Agas D, De Angelis N, Raffetto M, et al. 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser light affect transmembrane mitochondria respiratory chain complexes. Journal of Biophotonics. 2019:e201900101. doi:10.1002/jbio.201900101
Silva LM, Silva CA, Silva Ad, Vieira RP, Mesquita-Ferrari RA, Cogo JC, Zamuner SR. Photobiomodulation Protects and Promotes Differentiation of C2C12 Myoblast Cells Exposed to Snake Venom. PLoS One. 2016;11(4):e0152890. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152890.
Wang L, Hu L, Grygorczyk R, Shen X, Schwarz W. Modulation of extracellular ATP content of mast cells and DRG neurons by irradiation: studies on underlying mechanism of low-level-laser therapy. Mediators of inflammation. 2015:630361. doi:10.1155/2015/630361
Wang L, Sikora J, Hu L, Shen X, Grygorczyk R, Schwarz W. ATP release from mast cells by physical stimulation: a putative early step in activation of acupuncture points. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM. 2013:350949. doi:10.1155/2013/350949