EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND pH ON THE QUENCHING OF TRIPLET LUMIFLAVIN IN THE PRESENCE AND ABSENCE OF FERRI- AND FERROCYANIDE

Abstract— –Flash photolysis at 450 nm over the temperature range 0.8–60°C was used to determine Arrhenius parameters for the first and second order disappearance of triplet lumiflavin (1.66 µ .M ) at a flash energy of 2 kj in deaerated phosphate buffer at varying pH:
³Lf → Lf₀
³Lf +³Lf → Lf₀+ Lf₀
Arrhenius parameters were also determined for the pseudo first-order quenching of triplet lumiflavin by 10 µ M ferri- and ferrocyanide ions,
³Lf + Fe³⁺→ Fe³⁺→ Lf₀+ Fe³⁺ (energy transfer)
³Lf + Fe²⁺→ Lf^-+ Fe³⁺ (electron transfer)
and for disappearance of the semireduced lumiflavin in the presence of ferrocyanide at pH 6.8, by the second-order reaction
Lf^-+Lf ^-→ Lf₀+ Lf⁼.     

PHOTOBLEACHING OF A CYANINE DYE IN SOLUTION AND IN MEMBRANES

Abstract— N,N'-bis(2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane)-kryptocyanine (EDKC), a lipophilic dye with a delocalized positive charge, photosensitizes cells to visible irradiation. In phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), EDKC absorbs maximally at 700 nm (ε= 1.2 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and in methanol, the absorption maximum is at 706 nm (ε= 2.3 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹). EDKC partitions from PBS into small unilamellar liposomes prepared from saturated phospholipids and into membranes prepared from red blood cells (RBC) and binds to human serum albumin (HSA). The EDKC fluorescence maximum red shifts from 713 nm in PBS to 720–725 nm in liposomes and RBC membranes and the fluorescence intensity is enhanced by factors of 14–35 compared to PBS (φ= 0.0046). EDKC is thermally unstable in PBS (T_1/2= 2 h at 1.3 × 10⁻⁵ M EDKC), but stable in methanol. In liposomes and RBC membranes, EDKC is 10 times more stable than in PBS, indicating that it is only partially exposed to the aqueous phase. Quenching of EDKC fluorescence in liposomes and RBC membranes by trinitrobenzene sulfonate also indicates that EDKC is not buried within the membranes. Photodecomposition of EDKC was oxygen-dependent and occurred with a low quantum yield (6.4 × 10⁻⁴ in PBS). Singlet oxygen was not detected upon irradiation of EDKC in membranes or with HSA since the self-sensitized oxidation of EDKC occurred at the same rate in D₂O as in H₂O and was not quenched by sodium azide or histidine.     

KINETICS OF BACTERIAL BIOLUMINESCENCE AND THE FLUORESCENT TRANSIENT

Abstract— The addition of FMNH₂ to Vibrio harveyi luciferase at 2°C in the presence of tetradecanal results in the formation of a highly fluorescent transient species with a spectral distribution indistinguishable from that of the bioluminescence. The bioluminescence reaches maximum intensity in 1.5 s and decays in a complex manner with exponential components of 10^-1s^-1, 7 × 10^-3s^-1, and 7 × 10 ⁴s^-1. The fluorescent transient rises exponentially at 7 × 10^-2s^-3 and decays at 3 × 10^-4s^-1. The slowest bioluminescence component, comprising the bulk of the bioluminescence, decays at twice the rate of the fluorescent transient under all variations of reaction conditions: concentration of reactants, temperature 2–20°C, and aldehyde chain length—decanal, dodecanal and tetradecanal. The activation energy for both the slowest bioluminescence decay and the transient fluorescence decay is 80 kJ-mol^-1. An energy transfer scheme is proposed to explain the results where two distinct chemically energized species utilize the fluorescent transient as emitter for the slower bioluminescences, and for the faster process a fluorophore present in the protein preparation. Kinetic observations suggest that typical preparations of V. harveyi luciferase comprise 15% active protein.     

PHOTOLESIONS IN DNA UPON 193 nm EXCITATION

Aqueous solutions of plasmid (pBR322 and pTZ18R) and calf thymus DNA were excited by 20 ns laser pulses at 193 nm. The quantum yields of single- and double-strand break formation, interstrand cross-links, locally denatured sites, (6–4)photoproducts and biological inactivation (Φ_ssb, Φ_dsb, Φ_icl, Φ_ids, Φ_6–4 and Φ_ina, respectively) were measured. The quantum yields are virtually independent of intensity, demonstrating a one-quantum process. The obtained values in aerated neutral solution in the absence of additives are Φ_ssb= 1.5 × 10^--³, Φ_dsb, = 0.06 × 10^--³ (dose: 10–200 J m^-2), Φ_icl=Φ_Ids= 0.1 × 10³ and Φ_6–4= 0.5 × 10^--³ Both Φ_ssb and Φ_dsb decrease strongly with increasing concentrations of TE buffer (0.01–10 m M ). Biological inactivation of the pTZ18R plasmid was determined from the transformation efficiency of Escherichia coli bacteria strains AB1157, AB1886 uvr and A82480 uvr rec; the Φ_ina values are 1.4 × 10³, 2.1 × 10³ and 3 × 10^--³, respectively. The monoexponential survival curves in all cases show that a single damage site leads to inactivation (one single hit). The biological consequences of different photoproducts are discussed.     

REEVALUATION OF THE SPECTRAL AND KINETIC PROPERTIES OF HO2 AND O2- FREE RADICALS

Abstract— The spectra and molar absorbances of the HO₂ and O₂^- free radicals have been redetermined in aqueous formate solutions by pulse and stopped-flow radiolysis as well as by ⁶⁰Co gamma-ray studies. The extinction coefficients at the corresponding maxima and 23°C are ²²⁵= 1400 ± 80 M ^-1 cm^-1 and ²²⁵= 2350 ± 120 M ^-1 cm^-1 respectively. Reevaluation of earlier published rate data in terms of the new extinction coefficients yielded the following rate constants for the spontaneous decay of HO₂ and O₂^-: K _Ho2+HO2= (8.60 ± 0.62) × 10⁵ M ^-1 s^-1; K _Ho2+O2-= (1.02 ± 0.49) × 10⁸ M ^-1 s^-1; K _Ho2+O2- < 0.35 M ^-1 s^-1. For the equilibrium HO₂→ O₂^-+ H⁺ the dissociation constant is K _Ho2= (2.05 ± 0.39) × 10^-5 M or p K _HO2= 4.69 ± 0.08. G (O₂^-) has been evaluated as a function of formate concentration.     

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.     

POLARIZED UV-ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF RETINAL ISOMERS-I. MEASUREMENTS IN EXTREMELY THIN MONOCRYSTAL PLATELETS

Abstract Crystals of all- trans retinal and both different forms of 11- cis , 12-s- cis retinal were grown on quartz slides with faces (101), (001) and (101), respectively, forming thin platelets of less than 0.2 μm thickness. Polarized UV absorption spectra at room temperature were measured in the range from 20 to 43 × 10³ cm⁻¹ with a microscope-spectrophotometer. In this spectral range three diffuse absorption bands were observed for all crystal types at similar wave numbers. A main absorption band was found at 25–28 × 10³ cm⁻¹, and two further bands at 32–34 and 38–40 × 10³ cm⁻¹. In case of all- trans retinal the latter band is by far the weakest in this spectral range. Additionally, the crystal spectrum of all- trans retinal shows a shoulder at the low wavenumber side of the main band which cannot be resolved in the corresponding solution spectrum. In the crystal spectra of 11- cis , 12-s- cis retinal, however, only a strong dissymmetry is observed at this side of the main band.     

Luminol Oxidation by Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by Tobacco Anionic Peroxidase: Steady-State Luminescent and Transient Kinetic Studies

The properties of a newly isolated anionic tobacco peroxidase from transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing the enzyme have been studied with respect to the chemiluminescent reaction of luminol oxidation. These were compared to the properties of horseradish peroxidase in the cooxidation of luminol and p -iodophenol, the enhanced chemiluminescence reaction. The pH, luminol and hydrogen peroxide concentrations were optimized for maximum sensitivity using the tobacco enzyme. The detection limit for the latter under the optimal conditions (2.5 m M luminol, 2 m M hydrogen peroxide, 100 m M Naborate buffer, pH 9.3) was about 0.1 p M , which is at least five times lower than that for horseradish peroxidase in enhanced chemiluminescence with p -iodophenol. The rate constants for the elementary steps of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction have been determined: k ₁= 4.9 × 10⁶ M ⁻¹ s¹, k ₂= 7.3 × 10⁶ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹, k ³= 2.1 × 10⁶ M ⁻¹ s⁻¹ (pH 9.3). The similarity of these rate constants is unusual for plant peroxidases. The high catalytic activity of tobacco peroxidase in the luminescent reaction is explained by the high reactivity of its Compound II toward luminol and the high stability of the holoenzyme with respect to heme dissociation. This seems to be a unique property of this particular enzyme among other plant peroxidases.     

CHLORIDE ENHANCEMENT OF QUENCHING OF TRIPLET METHYLENE BLUE BY Fe(II)

Abstract— The influence of chloride ion on the rate of decay of triplet methylene blue in 0.01 M acid in the absence and presence of ferrous ions was investigated by means of laser flash-photolysis monitored by kinetic spectrophotometry. Chloride weakly accelerates decay of ³MBH^2± in aqueous solution in the absence of Fe(II). Quenching of ³MBH²⁺ by Fe(II) is more strongly catalyzed by Cl^- in both water and 50 v/v% aq. CH₃CN. The uncatalyzed quenching constant, k ₅, is of the order of 1 × 10⁶ M ^-1 s^-1 while in 4.8 M aqueous chloride ( μ – 7.2 M ) k ₅= (37.2 ± 1.8) × 10⁶ M ^-1 s^-1. A possible role of chloride is as a bridging species in quenching via electron transfer between ³MBH²⁺ and Fe(II).     

REACTIONS OF PHOTOCHEMICALLY FORMED TRANSIENTS FROM 2-NITROTOLUENE

Abstract— Kinetic data are reported for the thermal decay of colored transients formed by U.V. irradiation of aqueous solutions of 2-nitrotoluene. The transients display an acid-base equilibrium with a pK value of 3.7. The decay is catalyzed by acids and the following rate constants in liter sec^-l mole^-1 were evaluated for the base form of the transient reacting with an acid at 30.0°C: 3.5 × 10^-3 (H₂O), 2.6×10³ (CH₃COOH), 4.7×10⁴ (⁺NH₃CH₂COOH) and 4.2×10⁵(H+).     

FLASH PHOTOLYSIS STUDIES OF OROTIC ACID

Abstract— The triplet state of orotic acid has been studied by flash photolysis. The rate for dimerization has been observed to vary from 2 × 10⁹ M ^-1 sec^-1 at pH 1 where both the triplet and ground state molecules are neutral, to under 10⁸ M^-1 sec^-1 above pH 9 where both the triplet and ground state molecules are doubly ionized. The p K of the triplet state has been measured as 4.6. The rate of oxygen quenching for the triplet is 2–3 × 10⁹ M^-1 sec^-1 while the rate of radiationless decay in solution is 0.73 × 10⁴ sec^-1. The triplet absorption spectra have been measured for the two ionic forms of the triplet.     

PROOXIDANT and ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF ASCORBATE ON PHOTOSENSITIZED PEROXIDATION OF LIPIDS IN ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANES

Abstract— Continuous blue light irradiation of resealed erythrocyte ghosts at 37°C in the presence of uroporphyrin or protoporphyrin results in ¹O₂-mediated (azide inhibitable) lipid peroxidation and membrane lysis. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by thiobarbituric acid reactivity and by quantitation of total hydroperoxides, while lysis was measured in terms of trappedglucose–6-P release. Low concentrations of ascorbate, AH^- (e.g. 0.5 m M ). present at the start of irradiation, significantly enhanced the rates of lysis and peroxidation, whereas relatively high concentrations of AH^- (e.g. 15 m M ) inhibited both processes. By way of contrast. AH^- produced only a dose-dependent inhibition of the photoinactivation of lysozyme, added as an extramembranous target. No significant AH^-induced lipid peroxidation was observed in dark or light controls, plus porphyrin or minus porphyrin, respectively. Stimulation of peroxidation and lysis by low levels of AH^- was enhanced by added Fe(III), abolished by EDTA. but unaffected by catalase or superoxide dismutase. A plausible explanation for these results is as follows. At low concentrations of AH^- prooxidant activity is favored. Redox metal-mediated breakdown of photoperoxides occurs, which tends to amplify lipid peroxidation. Neither O₂^- nor H₂O₂ appears to be involved. At significantly high concentrations, AH^- acts predominantly as an antioxidant by intercepting ¹O₂ and/or sensitizer triplet, or by scavenging free radical intermediates of lipid peroxidation.     

THE SINGLET OXYGEN REACTIVITY OF BILIVERDIN

Abstract— In 1, 1, 2-trichlorotrifluoroethane solution biliverdin physically quenches singlet oxygen at a rate of 8 × l0^sM-¹s^-1 and reacts chemically at 6 × 10 ⁵M-¹s^-1 to give a red product. In D, O solution the rate constants are PD dependent and range from 1.5–6 times 10¹⁰M-¹s^-1 for quenching and the chemical rate varies from 3–5 × 10⁸ M^-1 s^-1 to give colorless products.     

INHIBITION OF ETHYL BENZENE OXIDATION BY STABLE IMINOXY RADICALS, STUDIED BY CHEMILUMINESCENCE

Abstract— The inhibition by stable radicals having the structure (X-O)₂NO of the initiated oxidation of ethyl benzene was studied. According to a formal kinetic scheme, verified by both theoretical computer calculations and an experimental chemiluminescence method, the rate constants of the interaction of peroxyradicals with iminoxy radicals were estimated at 60°C to be: 2.4 times 10⁵ litres mol^-1 s^-1 for X = OCH₃ and 3.4 times 10⁵ litres mol^-1 s^-1 for X = OCH₂CH₃.     

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE CHANGES IN PIGMENTATION IN HUMAN SKIN IN VIVO WITH VISIBLE AND NEAR INFRARED LIGHT

Abstract— The skin of the lower inner arm of volunteers was irradiated, with a 390–1700 nm light source, through a fiber optic bundle for times of up to 1.2 × 10⁴ s and with powers of up to 0.35 W/cm². Simultaneously with the irradiation, spectra (390–720 nm) of the remitted intensity were measured, while a 5.0 cm in diameter area of the skin around the fiber bundle was maintained at constant temperature, within 0.2°C. The generation of a photoproduct was observed and measured as changes in the remitted intensity within 600 s (10 min) of the start of irradiation.
The photoproduct formed was characterized by a weak absorption in the blue part of the spectrum (400–450 nm), leading to a bluish appearance in the irradiated area only. The color change appears as a two step process. It starts with a "soluble" photoproduct, which disappears, within 24 h after irradiation, and an "insoluble" photoproduct which appears with irradiation greater than 3 ×10³ s (50 min). No spectral differences were detected between the two photoproducts. The "insoluble" photoproduct persists for periods of up to 8 weeks. The color change in the skin is immediate and there is no erythema associated with this color change.     

FAR-RED INDUCED, LONG-LIVED AFTERGLOW FROM PHOTOSYNTHETIC CELLS. SIZE OF AFTERGLOW UNIT AND PATHS OF ENERGY ACCUMULATION AND DISSIPATION

Abstract— –Small amounts of N -methyl phenazonium methosulphate (PMS) added to a suspension of Chlorella pyrenoidosa accelerate the emission of the long-lived far-red induced afterglow without greatly changing the amount of light emitted. The effect is noticeable in dilute suspensions at a PMS concentration of 10^-9 M. The concept of afterglow unit is introduced and defined as that part of the sample in which the rate of energy reemission can be controlled by a single molecule of PMS. The number of chlorophyll molecules per afterglow unit is about 10⁵. It is possible that the afterglow unit is identical to the thylakoid.
The rate constant for the final first order decay phase of afterglow at room temperature is about 0.7 min^-1 without PMS and about 3 times larger for a unit with one PMS molecule.
Diuron (DCMU) lowers the rate of afterglow decay. Desaspidin on the other hand decreases the amount of light emitted without affecting the decay rate. Carbonylcyanide- m -chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) decreases the afterglow over the whole time-range and increases the decay rate. A kinetic model is developed to account for the results.     

FLUORESCENCE CHARACTERISTICS OF INDOLES IN NON-POLAR SOLVENTS: LIFETIMES, QUANTUM YIELDS AND POLARIZATION SPECTRA

Abstract— Fluorescence lifetimes, quantum yields and polarization spectra were measured for indole, 3-methylindole and 2,3-dimethylindole in non-polar solvents. The results indicate simultaneous emission from thermally equilibrated ¹L_a and ¹L_b levels, with ¹L_a→¹ A dominating the 2,3-dimethylindole emission, and ¹L_b→¹ A dominating the indole emission. These results are consistent with previous assignments of the 0-0 transitions in absorption for these compounds. Radiative rates are: ¹L_a→¹ A , 2·0 × 10⁸ S^-1 and ¹L_b→¹ A . 0·62 → 10⁸ S^-1. In addition, the temperature dependence of the excitation and emission spectra are presented, which show that aggregation occurs with these indoles in hydrocarbons below approximately - 110°C. Possible applications to tryptophyl emission in the hydrophobic interiors of proteins are briefly discussed.     

THE EFFECTS OF FAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON RESPIRATION AND CATION ACCUMULATION BY ISOLATED MITOCHONDRIA OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS

Abstract. The respiration rates and respiratory control ratios of isolated bean mitochondria have been measured following exposure to 0, 150, 300 and 900 J/m² of far UV radiation (190–300 nm) from a mercury vapour light source with 90% total radiant intensity at 254 nm. Loss of respiratory control occurred at 150 J/m² and inhibition of respiration was significant at the highest exposure dosage. The uptake of both ⁴⁵Ca and ⁸⁵Sr have been measured following a 10min incubation of isolated mitochondria with 2 m M cation. Significant decreases in cation accumulation were observed following exposure to 900 J/m². The effect seemed to be associated with loss of active transport of the ions as a result of respiratory uncoupling or reduced electron transport. There was no significant effect of storage on respiration or ion transport nor was there any indirect effect of irradiated suspending medium on mitochondria.     

INCREASED QUANTUM YIELD OF PHOTOREDUCTION OF DYES (A CATALYTIC EFFECT)

Abstract— While studying the photoreduction of some dyes (D) by reducing agents (R), it was observed that the quantum yield of the photoreduction increases considerably upon addition of a third substance (C), whereas it is very small when the dye is photoreduced by C alone (catalytic effect), (see Table 1).
The system thionine (D), allylthiourea (R), and azulene (C) was investigated in detail using both flash photolysis and continuous illumination. On photolysis, thionine is converted into its photo-reduced form, leucothionine. Azulene reacts with the basic form of the thionine triplet ³ TH ⁺ to produce the semithionine radical. In the system thionine and azulene, most of these radicals revert back to thionine. When ATU (˜ 10^2- M ) is added to thionine and azulene (3 × 10^-4 M ), the semithionine radicals are reduced to leucothionine; the quantum yield of this reduction is considerably higher than in the system thionine and allylthiourea. Flash experiments demonstrate that allylthiourea does not react with the semithionine radicals.
At very high ATU concentrations (≥ 10^-1 M ), however, the primary reaction is between thionine triplet and allylthiourea; under these conditions the quantum yield is not influenced by azulene (3 × 10^-4 M ).