THE 3-METHYLINDOLE/n-BUTANOL EXCIPLEXES: EVIDENCE FOR TWO EXCIPLEX SITES IN INDOLE COMPOUNDS

Abstract— The 1-butanol concentration dependence of fluorescence emission intensities and spectra from 3-methylindole/1-butanol exciplexes in 1-heptane reveals a 1:1 stoichimetry near the isoemissive point increasing to 1:2 at higher concentrations. The large increase in stability of the 1:1 complex relative to indole itself is attributed to its relatively low dissociation rate with an activation energy of 36.8 kJ/mol. Each step of exciplex formation shifts the emission maximum about 15 nm to the red. The stronger combining site is the negative C-3. The weaker site is the positive N-1. Stabilization due to charge transfer between excited indole and electrophilic or nucleophilic partners is small relative to dipole-dipole interactions. There is no indication of significant orbital-overlap. The detection of both positive and negative centers for exciplex formation on indole, 1-methyl indole and electronically similar derivatives resolves some long-standing problems and extends the basis of knowledge necessary to use tryptophanyl-residue fluorescence as a quantitative probe for protein conformational character and its changes.     

THE EFFECT OF POTASSIUM IODIDE ON PHOTOPHOBIC RESPONSES IN EUGLENA: EVIDENCE FOR TWO PHOTORECEPTOR PIGMENTS*

Abstract— Potassium iodide, a quencher of flavin fluorescence, inhibits the shock reaction which Euglena experiences upon a sudden decrease in light intensity (inverse photophobic response) completely at a concentration of 150 mM. The rate of swimming of the cells at the same concentration of KI is reduced to 30% of the control. The direct photophobic response, a shock reaction which appears identical but occurs upon an increase in light intensity, is unaffected by KI as is negative phototaxis of Euglena. It is concluded that a non-flavin pigment system mediates photoreception for the direct photophobic response and negative phototaxis.     

ANALYSIS OF Pfr DESTRUCTION IN AMARANTHUS CAUDATUS L EVIDENCE FOR TWO POOLS OF PHYTOCHROME*

Abstract— Kinetics of the destruction of the far red absorbing form of phytochrome (P_fr), measured by in vivo spectroscopy, show two phases: after a saturating red light pulse, rapid first order decay results in the loss of most, but not all, of the detectable P_rr; decay of the rest is much slower. The concentration of the more stable P_fr is positively correlated to the concentration of the total P_fr established at time zero. The linear relationship between total and ‘stable’ P_fr exludes the existence of a threshold level of P_fr for fast destruction. Photoconversion of the P_r (red absorbing form of phytochrome) present during the slow decay, by exposure to a second light pulse, is followed by fast destruction of most of the newly formed P,_r, whereas some P_fr formed by the first pulse still remains. The experiment suggests that not all P_fr molecules are accessible to the same destruction mechanism, i.e. there are two populations of P_fI.     

THE CHEMILUMINESCENCE OF INDOLE DERIVATIVES IN DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE*

The chemiluminescent autoxidation of over fifty indoles has been measured in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The 3-alkylindole derivatives represent the brightest and most efficient members of this group. The chemiluminescence yield (per mole) of skatole is (1·5 ± 0·6) × 10^-3. The chemiluminescence spectrum of skatole is identical with the fluorescence spectrum of o-formamidoacetophenone in the same environment Similar results for 2,3-dimethylindole lead to the identification of the acylamide anion as the emitter in indole chemiluminescence. A peroxide ring cleavage excitation mechanism is proposed.     

ACTION SPECTRA FOR THE PHOTOLYSIS OF 5-IODODEOXYURIDINE IN DNA AND RELATED MODEL SYSTEMS: EVIDENCE FOR SHORT-RANGE ENERGY TRANSFER*

Abstract— A variety of polynucleotides containing 5-iodouracil residues were irradiated in aqueous solution with wavelengths between 240 and 313 nm. From the rate of deiodination the photochemical cross sections (a_B) were determined as a function of the irradiation wavelength (A). The expression was used to relate the observed values of _B to the intrinsic quantum yield, φ_INT, and to the absorption cross sections, and for the iodinated and noniodinated residues, respectively. φ_INT is the probability an excited iodouracil residue will deiodinate, while the parameter b is a measure of the number of noniodinated bases which contribute their excitation energy to the deiodination process. For IdUrd and poly(5-iodouridylic acid), the average values of φ_INT calculated from the experimental _B values were 0.0202 and 0.0188, respectively, for irradiation in air. In native, denatured, and depurinated DNA in which IdUrd was substituted for 10% of the Thd, the average φ_INT values were 0.0069, 0.0088, and 0.0153, respectively, indicating an enhancement in φ_INT upon decreasing the order of the polynucleotide. In contrast, the average values of b bor the same set of compounds were found to be 4 , 2 and 0.4, respectively, indicating a decrease in b with decreasing polynucleotide order, i.e. a loss of base stacking decreases the extent of energy transfer. A value of b= 4 for native DNA is assumed to mean that the extent of energy transfer in native DNA is limited to four base donors per iodouracil residue serving as an energy trap.     

QUENCHING OF TRIPLET STATES OF AROMATIC KETONES BY INDOLE AND 3-METHYL INDOLE IN BENZENE SOLUTION. EVIDENCE FOR HYDROGEN-ATOM ABSTRACTION, FOR QUENCHING DUE TO FAVOURABLE CHARGE TRANSFER INTERACTION AND FOR THE LACK OF ELECTRONIC ENERGY TRANSFER

Abstract— Quenching of the triplet states of the aromatic ketones (KCO), benzophenone, acetophenone and xanthone, by indole and 3-methyl indole gives rise to the neutral radicals resulting from hydrogenatom transfer with variable efficiency (40–100%). Thus in addition to the reaction,
³KCO*+ R H →KCOH + R .
some other quenching path or paths occur. There is no evidence for any triplet energy transfer even when this is energetically favourable, and it is suggested therefore that quenching to give ground state species following favourable charge-transfer interactions accounts for the proportion of quenching without reaction.
The spectra of the indole radicals, R ., were determined and the kinetics of their decay in aerated and deaerated solution were investigated and reaction schemes proposed to explain these observations.     

THE COLORS OF FIREFLY BIOLUMINESCENCE—II EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FOR THE OPTIMIZATION MODEL*

Abstract— The shapes, the peak wavelengths and the close matching of bioluminescence colors to visual spectral sensitivities in North American firefly species are consistent with the predictions of a spectral optimization model for selection in evolution (Seliger et al., 1982). A screening pigment found by microspectrophotometry in the rhabomeres of Photinus pyralis has the absorbancc characteristics predicted by the model. The biologically effective adaptation, a dimensionless ratio proportional to the relative advantage of a species to detect bioluminescence during twilight. has been calculated from experimentally determined distributions of ambient spectral radiances, visual spectral sensitivities and bioluminescence emissions and is shown to correlate both with color of bioluminescence and with the timing of initiation of flashing activity. The colors of firefly bioluminescence are therefore species-specific adaptations to optimize the detection of bioluminescence in the different photic environments in which the species have evolved.     

THE PHOTOPHYSICS OF BONELLIN: A CHLORIN FOUND IN MARINE ANIMALS

The photophysical properties of bonellin, a free-base chlorin, were studied in ethanolic solution. For the singlet excited state the following data were determined: an energy level, E^B_S= 187 ± 2kJ mol^-1, a lifetime, τ_f= 6.3± 0.1ns at 298 K, and fluorescence quantum yields, φ_r= 0.07 ± 0.02 (298 K) and 0.20 ± 0.04 (77 K). The S₁→ T intersystem crossing quantum yield was φ_isc= 0.85 ± 0.1. No phosphorescence was observed at 298 K and 77 K. Based on quenching experiments the triplet state energy level was determined to be E^B_T= 180 ± 20 kJ mol^-1. A unimolecular decay rate constant, k₁= (2.3 ± 0.5)· 10³ s^-1 at room temperature, and a molar absorption coefficient, ε^T₄₄₃= 9500 ± 500 M^-1 cm^-1, were obtained for the triplet state. This species was quenched by O₂ with ko₂= (1.7 ±0.3)· 10⁸M^-1 s^-1, and by benzoquinone with k_q= (5.2 ± 0.3)-10⁹M^-1 s^-1. The latter value, as well as the high value determined for the triplet annihilation rate constant, k₂= (2 ± 0.5)· 10⁹M^-1 s^-1, might reflect an electron transfer mechanism. Copper bonellin had a shorter triplet lifetime (>20 ns), which offers a possible explanation for its lack of photodynamic action.     

THE MICROVASCULAR EFFECTS OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY: EVIDENCE FOR A POSSIBLE ROLE OF CYCLOOXYGENASE PRODUCTS

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of malignant tumours may involve the interruption of tumor and peritumor microcirculation. We have studied the effect of light activation of the photosensitizing drug dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE) on rat subcutaneous arterioles and the modulation of these effects by cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Animals received DHE 48 h prior to light activation and additionally either indomethacin, ASA or saline 3 h prior to treatment. Light activation (630 nm, 60 J/cm2) resulted in a significant reduction to 62 +/- 2% SEM of initial blood flow. This effect was inhibited by ASA (98 +/- 8% SEM) and indomethacin (87 +/- 8% SEM). Results from the administration of various doses of both compounds indicate that this inhibition is dose related. The data presented here show that PDT causes a significant reduction in blood flow in normal arterioles and that this effect was inhibited by ASA and indomethacin indicating that prostaglandins or thromboxane A2 may play an important role in the microvascular response to PDT.     

THE SYNTHESIS OF 1,3,2-DIOXAPHOSPHOLENES. EVIDENCE FOR AN ARYLOXYPHOSPHINIDENE INTERMEDIATE

Abstract

The reaction of 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenylphosphorodichloridite with α-diketones in the presence of magnesium metal affords modest yields of 1,3,2-dioxaphospholenes. This may be the first evidence for the existence of the monocoordinate aryloxyphosphinidene intermediate, ROP.     

ON THE MECHANISM OF QUENCHING OF SINGLET OXYGEN BY AMINES-III. EVIDENCE FOR A CHARGE-TRANSFER-LIKE COMPLEX

Abstract— A series of amines were found to quench singlet oxygen in the order tertiary > secondary > primary, with a reasonable correlation between the log of their rate constant of quenching and their ionization potential. In addition, a Hammett rho plot gave a rho value of - 1.39 for the quenching of singlet oxygen by a series of substituted N, N-dimethylanilines, in good agreement with the results obtained by a different method. It was found that some of the amines (anilines) quenched the triplet state of the dye-sensitizer (Rose Bengal) used for the production of singlet oxygen. Corrections in the results were made in the calculations of rates of quenching of singlet oxygen to allow for the triplet-state quenching. No extensive quenching of the singlet state of the dye was observed at the concentrations of the amines necessary for singlet-oxygen quenching. In one case (N, N, N', N'-tetramethylphenylenediamine) there was no observable chemical reaction between singlet oxygen and the amine. It was concluded that singlet oxygen undergoes physical quenching by the amines via partial charge-transfer intermediates.     

ESR EVIDENCE FOR CHLOROPHYLL-PHOTOSENSITIZED ONE-ELECTRON OXIDATION OF WATER BY BENZOQUINONE*

Abstract —Illumination with red light of degassed solutions of chlorophyll and benzoquinone in dry acetone does not result in quinone radical formation, even though the presence of quinone greatly enhances the photoproduction of chlorophyll cation radical at low temperatures. However, when small amounts of water (or alcohols) are added to this system, large benzoquinone anion radical electron spin resonance (ESR) signals are generated. The effects on the low-temperature ESR signals of microwave power saturation, replacement of chlorophyll and quinone by their deuterated analogs, and replacement of H₂O by D₂O, lead to the suggestion that a one-electron oxidation of water is occurring. Pheophytin and bacteriochlorophyll are shown to sensitize a similar photoreaction. These results could lead to new insights into the mechanism of oxygen formation in photosynthesis.     

RESOLUTION OF THE FLUORESCENCE EXCITATION SPECTRUM OF INDOLE INTO THE 1La AND 1Lb EXCITATION BANDS*

Abstract— The fluorescence excitation spectrum and the excitation polarization spectrum of indole in propylene glycol were measured at — 58°C, after selecting by optical filters the emission originating from the ¹L_a electronic level. From the analysis of these spectra, the excitation spectrum was resolved into the ¹L_a and ¹L_a excitation bands. A similar resolution of the excitation spectrum of tryptophan is given. This method can also be applied to the resolution of the emission spectrum in cases of dual emission.     

THE PHOTOPHYSICS OF MEROCYANINE 540. A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN ETHANOL AND IN LIPOSOMES

Abstract— Absorption and fluorescence emission spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, fluorescence quantum yields, photoisomerization quantum yields and triplet quantum yields were measured for Merocyanine 540 (MC540) in ethanol and in large unilamellar dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine vesicles. The major differences in the photophysics between the two media are the increase of the fluorescence quantum yield from 0.15 in ethanol to 0.6 in vesicles at 25° C, and the appearance of a second fluorescence decay with a lifetime of 1.87 ns in the latter medium. Upper and lower limits for the photoisomerization quantum yields were determined by combining the data from laser flash photolysis and optoacoustic spectroscopy. The decrease in photoisomerization quantum yield upon incorporation of the dye into the lipid bilayer by a factor 2 suggests that this process competes directly with fluorescence. The temperature dependence of the fluorescence and photoisomerization quantum yields in solution supports this model. In both media MC540 has a very low triplet quantum yield with values 0.002 > (> ø_T > 0.02 in ethanol and 0.01 > ø_T- > 0.09 in liposomes Our data are consistent with the model whereby the dye is incorporated into the lipid bilayer as a monomer with two different orientations and this model is adopted on the basis of the biexponential behaviour of the fluorescence and photoisomer decay.     

PHOTOPHYSICS OF METHYLENE BLUE-POLYNUCLEOTIDE COMPLEXES IN THE PICOSECOND TIME RANGE: INFLUENCE OF THE LOCAL STRUCTURE OF THE POLYNUCLEOTIDE

Abstract—
The photophysics of methylene blue (MB) complexed with 2'-deoxycytidylyl-2'-deoxygua-nosine, polydeoxyguanylic-deoxycytidylic acid, polydeoxyguanylic-polydeoxycytidylic acid and poly-guanylic acid, respectively, was investigated by transient absorption spectroscopy with a time resolution of ˜1 ps. The decays of the transient difference spectra indicate that the radiationless process responsible for the strong shortening of the S, state lifetime of MB associated with a guanine in the polynucleotide chain is similar to that already observed in the case of the MB—guanosine-5'-monophosphate complex, that is, the excited state decays by return of molecules to the ground state without formation of a detectable intermediate state. The local structure of the polynucleotide apparently does not change the nature of the deactivation process but influences significantly the deactivation rate. Thus, the intercalation of MB between guanosine and cytosine increases this rate constant (as compared to that of the MB—guanosine-5'-monophosphate complex) while the interaction of MB intercalated with a supplementary guanine has an opposite effect. The results are discussed in connection with the photosensitizing effect of MB in nucleic acid damage.     

ANOXIC PHOTODAMAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF PORPHYRINS: EVIDENCE FOR THE LACK OF EFFECTS ON MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANES

Abstract When isolated mitochondria are irradiated in the presence of 50 μg/ml hematoporphyrin or hematoporphyrin derivative in the respiratory medium, the irradiation is at least twenty-fold less effective in impairing the Ca²⁺ pump in the absence of oxygen than in its presence. This result suggests that photosensitization by non oxygen-depending pathways has few or no effects on cell membranes, a result somewhat at variance with those observed with liposomes.     

TETRACHLOROPYRIDINE: A NEW REAGENT FOR THE DEHYDRATION OF ALDOXIMES UNDER MICROWAVE*

ABSTRACT

Dehydration of aldoximes to nitriles using tetrachloropyridine under microwave in dry media is described. The procedure is applicable to a variety of aldoximes and the reagent can be recycled and reused.

     

THE LIGHT-HARVESTING SYSTEM OF THE UNICELLULAR ALGA Mantoniella squamata (PRASINOPHYCEAE): EVIDENCE FOR THE LACK OF A PHOTOSYSTEM I-SPECIFIC ANTENNA COMPLEX

The light-harvesting complexes (LHC) were isolated from the unicellular alga Mantoniella squamata (Prasinophyceae) by sucrose-density centrifugation. Beside the major LHC (II), a photosystem I complex was obtained that could be dissociated into a photosystem I core complex and an associated LHC I. In contrast to other chlorophyll b-containing antennae, both LHC II as well as LHC I were observed to be identical with respect to the following features: the molecular weights, the isoelectric points and the retention behavior on anion-exchange chromatography of the apoproteins, the pigment content and the absorption and fluorescence spectra. We conclude from these results that Mantoniella contains only one homogenous population of LHC, which cooperate with both photosystems not on the basis of specific recognition but on the simple basis of statistical interaction. This is the first report of a chlorophyll b-containing light-harvesting system without any subpopulations: therefore, it is suggested that it arises from a most primitive type of chlorophyll b-containing chloroplast.