Enhancing Cerebral Blood Flow With Near-Infrared Light Therapy in Mouse Model of a Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Abstract

Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) was evaluated in a bilateral common carotid artery stenosis mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. PBM enhanced cognitive performance and regional cerebral blood flow, particularly in hippocampal and cortical regions. Histological analysis revealed attenuated neuronal loss and smaller perivascular spaces, although residual necrotic foci persisted. PBM reduced BCL2 expression and modulated HIF-1 in a context-dependent manner, suggesting neuroprotection via BCL2-independent and hypoxia-responsive pathways. These results support PBM as a noninvasive approach for mitigating cognitive decline in chronic hypoperfusion and warrant longitudinal, mechanistic studies to define its therapeutic parameters.