Neuroimmunomodulation in Chronic Wound Healing after Treatment with Photodynamic Therapy: The Role of iNOs

Abstract

The term neuroimmunomodulation defines the modulating role of the nervous system in relation to immune functions. This phenomenon is possible due to the existence of receptors for neurotransmitters in immune cells. The neuronal mediators are also able to direct and modulate many of the events in the wound-healing process. Among these substances, nitric oxide (NO) is a neuromodulator involved in the control of vascular tone and blood pressure, which has a vasodilator and antimicrobial effect. Photodynamic treatments in venous leg ulcers have shown how this therapy stimulates the activity of immune cells involved in healing, which have, among their functions, the function of releasing NO into the extracellular space. The experimental results showed an increase in the expression of iNOs (the enzyme involved in the secretion of NO) in PDT-treated lesions, underlining its central role in improving the clinical condition of the wound. In light of such evidence, the versatility of this protein would therefore assume a key role in the definition of new clinical therapies, as well as in the study of the process of wound healing itself.

Keywords

• chronic wounds
• iNOs
• photodynamic therapy