SELECTIVE INACTIVATION OF MICROSOMAL DRUG METABOLIZING PROTEINS BY VISIBLE LIGHT

Abstract— Rat liver microsomes treated with heterochromatic visible light (λ > 400 nm) and O₂ showed a preferential inactivation of NADPH-cytochrome P₄₅₀ reductase and cytochrome P₄₅₀, proteins involved in drug metabolism. Cytochrome P₄₅₀ destruction correlates with lipid peroxidation; both are oxygen dependent and affected to the same extent by antioxidants and radical scavengers. Under anaerobic conditions. NADPH-cytochrome P₄₅₀ reductase is the only component which is inactivated; this is accompanied by FMN loss and activity can be restored by reconstitution.     

ELECTRIC LINEAR DICHROISM OF P700 CHLOROPHYLL U-PROTEIN COMPLEXES

Abstract— The P₇₀₀ chlorophyll a -protein complex (CPI) isolated from green plants was oriented in aqueous solutions using pulsed electric fields of up to 6700 V cm^-1. The electric linear dichroism spectrum is reported in the range of 400–720nm. Positive peaks in the linear dichroism Δ A = A _I - A ₁ (where A_I and A₁ are the absorbance components in which the polarizer orientation is parallel and perpendicular with respect to the electric field. respectively) are observed at 443 and 686 nm. The ΔA signal at 686 nm is discussed in terms of either a specialized chlorophyll form absorbing at 686 nm. or due to an exciton component absorbing at the same wavelength.     

A CORRELATION OF EPR SPINS WITH P700 IN SPINACH SUBCHLOROPLAST PARTICLES

Abstract— The ratio of the concentrations of P₇₀₀, as measured by oxidized-minus-reduced (also light-minus-dark) spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal I, as measured by EPR spectroscopy, were determined on aliquots of photosystem I spinach subchloroplast particles. The results substantiated a 1:1 ratio with a precision of ±25%. This constitutes correlative evidence that P₇₀₀ is the molecular source of the EPR signal I.     

New Results on the Photochemistry of Biopterin and Neopterin in Aqueous Solution

New photochemical studies of the reactivity of biopterin (BPT) and neopterin (NPT) in acidic (pH = 5.5) and alkaline (pH = 10.5) aqueous solutions at 350 nm and room temperature were performed. The photochemical properties of BPT are of particular interest because the photolysis of this compound takes place in the white skin patches of patients affected by vitiligo. The photochemical reactions were followed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry, HPLC, electrochemical measurement of dissolved O₂ and enzymatic methods for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂^•−) determinations. When BPT or NPT are exposed to UVA radiation, a red intermediate, very likely 6-formyl-5,8-dihydropterin, is generated in an O₂-independent process. That product is rapidly oxidized on admission of O₂ to yield 6-formylpterin and H₂O₂. When the photolysis takes place in aerobic conditions, no additional pathways exist. On the other hand, in the absence of O₂, the intermediate generated is not stable and leads to the formation of many products. O₂^•− is also generated during photo-oxidation of BPT and NPT. The quantum yields of reactant consumption depends on the O₂ concentration: the higher the O₂ concentration, the lower the quantum yields. This behavior is discussed in connection with the excited state of the pterins.     

PHYTOCHROME INTERMEDIATES IN VIVO–II. CHARACTERISATION OF INTERMEDIATES BY DIFFERENCE SPECTROPHOTOMETRY

Abstract— In epicotyl tissue of Pisum , irradiation of P_r at – 196°C forms a stable product P₆₉₈, whereas P_fr forms a stable product P₆₅₀. On warming P₆₉₈, dark transformation to P_r predominates. On warming P₆₅₀ to – 70°C an intermediate P₆₉₀ is formed which bleaches on further warming to –10°C. When tissue is cooled to –196°C during actinic irradiation, difference spectra for subsequent warming to –10°C indicate that P_r, P_fr and an intermediate P₇₁₀ are formed from weakly absorbing intermediates. Complete photoconversion of P_r to P_fr is not possible at temperatures below –5°C. As the temperature is reduced, the amount of P_fr produced from P_r decreases, while P₇₁₀ increases. P₇₁₀ can be photoconverted at –20°C and above, ultimately forming P_r, but in contrast to P_fr it is not photoconvertible at –196°C.     

Light Induces lnositol Trisphosphate Elevation in Blepharisma japonicum

Abstract— Photoinduced formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins[1,4,5]P₃) was examined using a specific radioimmu-noassay to investigate the molecular mechanisms of light signal transduction mediating photophobic responses in the ciliate Blepharisma japonicum. Application of light stimuli of moderate intensity to dark-adapted cells induced a rapid and significant increase in the basal level of Ins (1,4,5)P₃, with a peak at about 20 s. Thereafter, the level of Ins (1,4,5)P₃ declined to the resting value within the subsequent 100 s. Light stimuli of higher intensity raised the cell Ins (1,4,5)P₃ content to still higher levels within about 20 s, but the decaying time course was considerably prolonged. In ciliates incubated under dark conditions with agents interfering with the inositol signalling pathway, like neomycin and Li⁺ the basal levels of Ins (1,4,5)P₃ were lower than in control cells. A photoinduced rise of Ins (1,4,5)P₃, content in ciliates treated with neomycin or Li⁺ was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Depolarizing ionic stimuli in dark-adapted ciliates induced no significant alterations of the resting Ins (1,4,5)P₃ level, indicating a lack of a contribution of this kind of stimulation to the inositol turnover. These studies are the first in vivo demonstration of a possible role for inositol trisphosphate as a second messenger in the light signal transduction process in the ciliate B. japonicum.     

SEARCH FOR SINGLET OXYGEN LUMINESCENCE IN THE DISPROPORTIONATION OF HO2/O2

Abstract— During the reaction HO₂+ HO₂ (or O₂^-) = H₂O₂+ O₂ in aqueous solution, no luminescence in the region 620–720 nm, expected if the product O₂ were formed in a singlet state, could be detected. If any singlet O₂ is formed, its yield must be less than 10%. Faint luminescence, sometimes found at shorter wavelengths, was shown to arise from reaction of HO₂ with impurities in the reagents present.     

THERMODYNAMIC FUNCTIONS FOR SINGLET MOLECULAR OXYGEN, O2(1△g) and O2 (1σ8+)

Abstract— A correction is offered to the approximate values previously given by Mendenhall (1978) for the enthalpy of formation and entropy of O₂(a₁Δ_g) and O₂(b₁₊) between 298 and 1500 K. Accurate values have been calculated for the functions together with the equilibrium constants for the formation of these species from O₂(X₃σ_g-).     

PHYTOCHROME INTERMEDIATES IN VIVO– III KINETIC ANALYSIS OF INTERMEDIATE REACTIONS AT LOW TEMPERATURE

Abstract— Kinetic experiments have provided evidence for a series of light and dark reactions of phytochrome intermediates at low temperature in Pisum epicotyl tissue. A photoequilibrium exists between P_r and P₆₉₈, and between P_fr and P₆₅₀. A dark reversion of P₆₉₈P_r and P₆₅₀p_fr at –70°C has been demonstrated. When cooled to 70°C under incandescent light, most of the phytochrome in the tissue is driven into photochemically unreactive intermediates. About 2% of the phytochrome remains as weakly absorbing intermediates that form P_r and P_fr in darkness. A scheme is presented for phytochrome phototransformation in vivo.     

A MORE EXACT THEORETICAL INTERPRETATION OF RECENT EXPERIMENTAL DATA OBTAINED USING THE SEPARATED SENSITIZER AND SUBSTRATE METHOD TO INVESTIGATE O2(lδg) INTERACTIONS. POSSIBLE IMPORTANCE OF O2(1σg+)

Abstract— Recent experimental data obtained using the separated sensitizer and substrate method to investigate the interaction of O₂(¹δ_g) with various substances has been re-interpreted by means of a more complete theory. Comparison of experimental and recalculated values of the dependence of relative reaction rates on the sensitizer-substrate separation indicate general accord for experiments in which singlet oxygen acceptors in aqueous solution were used. The presumption is therefore that singlet molecular oxygen O₂(¹δ_g) is indeed the active oxidizing agent and that the theory presented and experiment are entirely in agreement.
For experiments in which bacterial targets were used a very distinct disagreement between theory and experiment is evident, the conclusion being that the kill rate does not depend linearly on the O₂(¹δ_g) concentration in the immediate proximity of the bacteria. However, the data is consistent with a quadratic dependence on the ¹δ_g concentration. A possible conclusion therefore is that the cytotoxic species is actually O₂(¹σ⁺_g), formed by an energy pooling reaction involving two O₂(¹δ_g) molecules.     

INTERACTIONS OF ASCORBATE AND CHELATED IRON IN A METHYLVIOLOGEN-MEDIATED MEHLER REACTION

Abstract— –In the light, isolated spinach thylakoids consumed O₂ in the presence of methylviologen, and ascorbate was found to interact with this reaction in various ways. Chelating-resin was used to remove metal impurities from the assay medium. Ascorbate diminished the H₂0₂ pool in resin-untreated solutions, while in resin-treated solutions ascorbate had no effect on H₂O₂ concentrations. A Fenton catalyst (Fe-EDTA) increased O₂ uptake in the presence of ascorbate and decreased the amount of O₂ recovered by catalase. Ascorbate tripled the rate of the methylviologen-mediated Mehler reaction, and the O₂ consumed was liberated to 50% of its original concentration by catalase. Superoxide dismutase reversed the effects of ascorbate on the Mehler reaction rates. These results indicate that ascorbate can stimulate Mehler reactions indirectly by promoting a Fenton-type reaction as well as stimulating Mehler reactions directly by reducing 2O₂^- to 2H₂O₂. The promotion of a Fenton-type reaction by ascorbate appears to be the cause of H₂O₂ depletion in resin-untreated solutions.     

CHEMILUMINESCENCE AND THE FORMATION OF SINGLET OXYGEN IN THE OXIDATION OF CERTAIN POLYPHENOLS AND QUINONES

Abstract— The possibility of ¹O₂ (¹Δ_g) participation in the oxidation of polyphenols and quinones has been investigated in two systems: (1) the system involving autooxidation leading to oxidative polymerization and destruction, and (2) the modified Trautz-Schorigin reaction, i.e. oxidation of polyphenols and HCHO with H₂O₂ in concentrated alkaline solutions. The red band with maximum at 635 nm observed in chemiluminescence of pyrocatechol, adrenaline, pyrogallol, gallic acid, adrenochrome and p -benzoquinone corresponds to the transition 2O₂(¹Δ_g) → 2O₂(³Σ^-_g). Emission bands in the range 475–540 nm arise from the superposition of the 2O₂(¹Δ_g) → 2O₂(³Σ^-_g) transition and radiative deactivation of excited oxidation products. In system (2) chemiluminescence has a broad band from 580 nm beyond 800 nm and much higher intensity than in system (1). Formaldehyde was found to enhance light emission in system (1) by a factor of about 30. The influence of solvents, including D₂O in which ¹O₂ has varying lifetimes, on kinetics of chemiluminescence as well as quenching effect of β-carotene, hydroquinone, cysteine, bilirubin and biliverdin strongly support the involvement of ¹O₂ in the chemiluminescence of both systems.     

THE INFLUENCE OF MOLECULAR CONFORMATION ON THE STABILITY OF ULTRAVIOLET STABILIZERS TOWARD DIRECT AND DYE-SENSITIZED PHOTOIRRADIATION: THE CASE OF 2-(2'-HYDROXY-5'-METHYPHENYL)BENZOTRIAZOLE (TIN P)

Abstract— The mechanism for photodegradation of the ultraviolet photostabilizer 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (TIN P) upon direct and dye-sensitized (singlet molecular oxygen [O₂(1Δ_g)]-mediated) irradiation was studied. From the experimental TIN P photodegradation rate data, and low temperature (77 K) fluorescence and phosphorescence quantum yields, one can conclude that the photodegradative process involves phosphorescent states of TIN P. The open conformer of TIN P quenches O₂(¹Δ_g) by physical scavenging with a rate constant (k_q) in dimethylsulfoxide of 2.8 times 10⁶ M ^-1 s^-1. The intramolecular hydrogen-bonded conformer does not appreciably interact with O₂(¹Δ_g). In the presence of a relatively high concentration of OH- (either 5 times 10^-2 M KOH in ethanol or water at pH 13), the ionic form of TIN P (with an ionized phenol group) physically and chemically quenches O₂(¹Δ_g). The reaction rate constant ( k _r) is 1 times 10 ⁸ M ^-1 s^-1, and the ratio k _q/ k _r is approximately three in alkaline aqueous media.     

ON THE GENERATION OF THE HYDROXYLATION AGENT FROM SUPEROXIDE RADICAL. CAN THE HABER–WEISS REACTION BE THE SOURCE OF OH RADICALS?

Abstract— In many biological systems, the role of O₂^- in hydroxylation and toxic processes was assumed to be due to the formation of OH radicals. The Haber-Weiss reaction (Haber and Weiss, 1934)—(H₂O₂+ O₂^-→ OH + OH^-+ O₂) was suggested as the origin of this activity.
In this study it is shown that this reaction pathway is too slow, and that OH is probably formed from the reaction of complexed superoxide with H₂O₂ or/and from the reduction of Fe(III), bound to biological compounds, by O₂^-; the reduced Fe(II) can then react with H₂O₂ as a Fenton reagent, to yield OH.
It is also shown that singlet oxygen cannot be formed in these biological systems neither from the dismutation of OJ nor from the reaction of O₂^- with OH. Singlet oxygen may be formed from the reduction of metal complexes by O₂^-.     

PHOTOINDUCED LUMINESCENCE AND EPR SIGNALS OF POLYPHENOL AND QUINONE POLYMERS

Abstract— Aqueous basic solutions, pH 9.0 of humic acids and melanin-like, synthetic polymers, obtained with adrenochrome, hydroquinone and purpurogallin, were illuminated with visible light under N₂ or O₂ atmospheres. It has been found that light enhances a singlet electron-paramagnetic-resonance (EPR) signal of polymers both under N₂ and O₂, and induces ultra-weak luminescence in the presence of O₂. Degradative oxidation of polymers, accelerated by light, leads to a decrease of EPR signal intensity and generates weak chemiluminescence.     

HO2 ELIMINATION FROM α-HYDROXYALKYLPEROXYL RADICALS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Abstract— In aqueous solutions α-hydroxyalkylperoxyl radicals undergo a spontaneous and a base catalysed HO₂ elimination. From kinetic deuterium isotope effects, temperature dependence, and the influence of solvent polarity it was concluded that the spontaneous reaction occurs via an HO₂ elimination followed by the dissociation of the latter into H⁺ and O₂^-. The rate constant of the spontaneous HO₂ elimination increases with increasing methyl substitution in α-position ( k (CH₂(OH)O₂) < 10s^-1 k (CH₃CH(OH)O₂) = 52s^-1 k ((CH₃)₂C(OH)O₂) = 665 s^-1). The OH^- catalysed reaction is somewhat below diffusion controlled. The mixture of peroxyl radicals derived from polyhydric alcohols eliminate HO₂ at two different rates. Possible reasons for this behaviour are discussed. The mixture of the six peroxyl radicals derived from d -glucose are observed to eliminate HO₂ with at least three different rates. The fastest rate is attributed to the HO₂ elimination from the peroxyl radical at C-l ( k > 7000s^-1). Because of the HO₂ eliminations the peroxyl radicals derived from d -glucose do not undergo a chain reaction in contrast to peroxyl radicals not containing an α-OH group. In competition with the first order elimination reactions the α-hydroxylalkylperoxyl radicals undergo a bimolecular decay. These reactions are briefly discussed.     

COOPERATION OF CHARGES IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC O2 EVOLUTION–I. A LINEAR FOUR STEP MECHANISM

Abstract— Using isolated chloroplasts and techniques as described by Joliot and Joliot[6] we studied the evolution of O₂ in weak light and light flashes to analyze the interactions between light induced O₂ precursors and their decay in darkness. The following observations and conclusions are reported: 1. Light flashes always produce the same number of oxidizing equivalents either as precursor or as O₂. 2. The number of unstable precursor equivalents present during steady state photosynthesis is ∼ 1.2 per photochemical trapping center. 3. The cooperation of the four photochemically formed oxidizing equivalents occurs essentially in the individual reaction centers and the final O₂ evolution step is a one quantum process. 4. The data are compatible with a linear four step mechanism in which a trapping center, or an associated catalyst, ( S ) successively accumulates four + charges. The S ⁴⁺ state produces O₂ and returns to the ground state S ₀. 5. Besides S ₀ also the first oxidized state S ⁺ is stable in the dark, the two higher states, S²⁺ and S³⁺ are not. 6. The relaxation times of some of the photooxidation steps were estimated. The fastest reaction, presumably S *₁← S ₂, has a (first) half time ≤ 200 μsec. The S *₂ state and probably also the S *₀ state are processed somewhat more slowly (˜ 300–400 μsec).     

CHEMILUMINESCENT REACTIONS OF SO

Abstract— The rapid bimolecular reaction SO + O₃= SO₂+O₂+ 106 kcal/mole
yields electronically excited SO₂ in the ³B ₁ and ¹B₂ states with some vibrational excitation, as well as SO₂ in its electronic ground state. It is shown that k₁ = 1.5 x 10¹² exp (-2100/ RT ) cm² mole^-1 s-¹ and that the formation of electronically excited SO₂ involves higher activation energies.     

AFFINITY FOR OXYGEN IN PHOTOREDUCTION OF MOLECULAR OXYGEN AND SCAVENGING OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN SPINACH CHLOROPLASTS

Abstract— The apparent K _m for O₂ in the photoreduction of molecular oxygen by spinach class II chloroplasts and photosystem I subchloroplast fragments was determined. In both cases, a value of 2 ∼ 3 μ M O₂ was obtained. The reaction rate constant between O₂ and P-430, the primary electron acceptor of PS I, is estimated to be ∼ 1.5 × 10⁷ M ^-1 s^-1 and the factors affecting the production of superoxide by the photoreduction of O₂ in chloroplasts are discussed. Preliminary evidence is presented indicating the occurrence of an azide-insensitive scavenging system for H₂O₂ in chloroplast stroma.     

EFFECT OF AGGREGATION ON THE HEMATOPORPHYRIN-SENSITIZED PRODUCTION OF SINGLET MOLECULAR OXYGEN

Abstract— The hematoporphyrin-sensitized production of singlet molecular oxygen, O₂(¹Δ_g), has been investigated in methanol and in aqueous solution. The quantum yield for formation of O₂(¹Δ_g) (Φ_Δ) has been measured by both steady-state (oxygen consumption) and time-resolved (near-infrared luminescence) methods. In methanol, both techniques indicate that Φ_Δ= 0.76 and the value remains independent of sensitizer concentration over a wide range. This finding is consistent with the dye persisting in a monomelic form in methanol solution. In contrast, Φ_Δ decreases markedly with increasing sensitizer concentration in water due to dimerization of the dye. Analysis of the steady-state data indicates Φ_Δ values of 0.74 and 0.12, respectively, for monomer and dimer. It is further shown that the efficiency whereby quenching of the triplet state by O₂ results in generation of O₂(¹Δ_g) is substantially lower for the dimer than for the corresponding monomer. Because monomer and dimer possess quite different absorption spectral profiles, the efficacy for photodynamic action with hematoporphyrin exhibits a pronounced wavelength dependence.