[The electrophysiological properties of voltage-gated potassium channels on cultivated porcine retinal ganglion cells irradiated with continuous near-infrared laser].

Objective: To investigate the influence of continuous near-infrared (CNI) laser to potassium ion channels on retinal ganglion cell (RGC).

Methods: Experiment study. Porcine RGC was cultured with enzymatic digestion method in vitro by taking off the retina from the piglets. Whole-cell patch clamp mode recordings were obtained from primary cultured porcine RGC. Whole-cell currents of porcine RGC irradiated with a single-mode CNI laser of 845 nm wavelength and 30 mW power were also recorded. The primary cultured porcine RGC were divided into laser irradiation group and control group according to whether they accepted CNI laser of 845 nm wavelength. t test was used to analyze the average peak amplitude between the two groups.

Results: The cells had the morphological characteristics of typical neurons after one week cultured observed by inverted phase contrast microscope. The body and bumps with yellow-green fluorescence was positive cell which observed by immune cell fluorescence chemical testing. CNI laser had a regulation on outward potassium current of porcine RGC in a voltage-dependent manner. There was significant difference on the average peak amplitude of potassium current between the laser irradiation group [(634.4 ± 86.8) Pa] and the control group [(580.5 ± 116.4) Pa], respectively (n = 30, t = 7.923, P = 0.000).

Conclusions: CNI laser can change the properties of outward K(+) channel. Therefore, formation and releasing of action potential is affected. Further, physiological functions of RGC are regulated, which might contribute to the protection and restoration of injured RGC. It can be provided a new scholar direction for the protection of the RGC, which are injured by glaucoma.