Effect of fractional laser on the expression of SCF and c-kit in skin stem cells of guinea pig

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of fractional laser on the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and c-kit receptor in body surface of guinea pig. Methods 20 guinea pigs were adopted. The back skin of each guinea pig was divided into four zones: A zone (the skin was not treated), B zone (the skin was treated by fractional laser at a low fluence: 20 mJ/cm2), C zone (the skin was treated at a medium fluence: 60 mJ/cm2), and D zone (the skin was treated at a high fluence: 120 mJ/cm2). The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of SCF and c-kit in body surface of guinea pig. The results were quantified using an HPIAS-1000 system. Results One week later, the SCF expression level in B, C and D groups was increased obviously, which showed statistical difference compared with A group (P<0.05); the c-kit expression level in C and D groups was increased obviously, compared with A group (P<0.05). 4 weeks later, the SCF expression level in C and D groups was higher than A and B groups; furthermore the level in D group was higher than C group (P<0.05); the c-kit expression level in D group was higher than A and B groups (P<0.05). Conclusions The fractional laser could generate the curative effect by increasing the expression of SCF and c-kit in body surface. Key words: Fractional laser; Stem cell factor; C-kit receptor; Guinea pig