Low Level Laser therapy (LLL) modulates pulmonary immune response and expression of P2X7 purinergic receptor in experimental model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

Currently, COPD has a high impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this context, several experimental models have been proposed, aiming the discovery of new therapeutic options. Low level Laser therapy (LLL) is relatively new and effective, low cost, with no side effects and possible use in the treatment of chronic lung diseases. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the purinergic P2X7 receptor expression in an experimental model of COPD submitted to LLL. We studied some parameters in animals with COPD submitted to diode laser therapy (660nm, 30 mW, 60s/point, 3 points: trachea, left and right lung) for 15 days. The protocol used for the induction of COPD consisted of nebulizing female C57BL/6 mice with cigarette smoke for 75 days (2 times/day). At day 76, the animals were anesthetized, collected bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lungs. Functional and structural parameters were analyzed. The data were submitted to the One-way ANOVA test followed by the Newman-Keuls test. Significance levels adjusted to 5% (p