New Modes of GPCR Signalling

Biophotons as Neural Communication Signals
Yan Sun, Chao-Wang, Jia-pei Dai *
Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, South-Central
University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
Aim: Cell to cell communication by biophotons has been demonstrated in plants,
bacteria and certain animal cells. Whether such a signal communication way is existed
in neural cells is unclear. Methods: Here by developing a new method, named as in situ
biophoton autography, we investigated the biophotonic activity in rat spinal nerve roots
in vitro. Results: We found that different spectral light stimulations (infrared, red,
yellow, blue, green and white) can generate biophotons that conduct along the neural
fibers. Such an effect can be significantly inhibited by procaine (a neural conduction
blocker) or classic metabolic inhibitors, suggesting that biophotons may serve as neural
communication signals. The mechanism of biophotonic conduction along neural fibers
may be mediated via protein-protein biophotonic interactions. Conclusion: Biophtonic
activities might be an important way for neural information exchange (biophotonic
transmission) besides well-demonstrated electrical and chemical transmission. This
study may provide a new thought for better understanding of the fundamental
mechanisms of neural communications and the functions of nervous system such as
vision, learning and memory, as well as the mechanisms in human neurological
diseases.
Keywords: Biophotons, in situ biophoton autography, neural communication signals,
spinal nerve root.
* Corresponding author
E-mail: jdai@mail.scuec.edu.cn; Tel: 0086-27-67840917