SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF PORPHYRINS USING CONFOCAL LASER SCANNING MICROSCOPY

The in vitro subcellular distribution patterns of 10 porphyrins, varying in hydrophobicity and charge, were studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy on two cell lines (V79 and C6 glioma cells) for incubation times up to 24 h. All of the porphyrins were taken up rapidly by both cell lines and distinct classes of subcellular distribution patterns were observed: general cytoplasmic staining; localization in lysosomes (usually associated with general cytoplasmic staining); localization in mitochondria (and general cytoplasmic staining); localization in mitochondria with subsequent uptake into lysosomes. Structure-localization relationships which have emerged are that porphyrins with dominantly cationic side chains localize in mitochondria, whereas those with a more anionic character tend to localize in lysosomes.     

SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF HEMATOPORPHYRIN DERIVATIVE IN BLADDER TUMOR CELLS IN CULTURE

Mitochondria have been implicated as a primary subcellular site of porphyrin localization and photodestruction. However, other organelles including the cell membrane, lysosomes and nucleus have been shown to be damaged by hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) photosensitized destruction as well. In this study we attempted to follow the translocation of the fluorescent components of HpD in human bladder tumor cells (MGH-U1) in culture to determine whether specific subcellular localization occurs over time. Following a 30 min exposure to HpD the cellular fluorescence was examined immediately and 1, 2, 4, and 24 h after HpD removal using fluorescence microscopy and an interactive laser cytometer. The in vitro translocation of dye appeared to be fairly rapid with fluorescence present at the cell membrane and later (1-2 h) within a perinuclear area of the cytoplasm. To determine whether HpD had become concentrated into a specific subcellular organelle, these fluorescence distribution patterns were compared with fluorescent marker dyes specific for mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and other membranous organelles. The HpD fluorescence did not appear to be as discrete as the dyes specific for mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum but appeared similar to the diffuse cytomembrane stain. Finally, the interaction between the fluorescent components of HpD and the cellular constituents was evaluated using a "fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching" technique. The results indicated that the mean lateral diffusion for HpD in MGH-U1 cells was 1.05 x 10(-8) cm2/s, a rate closer to that of lipid diffusion (10(-8)) than that of protein diffusion (10(-10)).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

UPTAKE KINETICS AND INTRACELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF HYPOCRELLIN PHOTOSENSITIZERS FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY: A CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY STUDY

Hypocrellins are naturally occurring compounds with photosensitizing properties in biological systems. We have prepared synthetic derivatives of hypocrellin B, which have promise as photosensitizers in the clinical application of photodynamic therapy. The intracellular localization and uptake kinetics of hypocrellin B and several selected hypocrellin congeners were determined semiquantitatively by fluorescence confocal microscopy in monolayer cultures of EMT6/Ed murine tumor cells. Each compound had unique uptake kinetics. Although no compound tested to date has demonstrated nuclear labeling, most could be detected in lysosomes, Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum and, to a minor extent, in cellular membranes. No two compounds gave identical labeling distributions. The differences are assumed to originate in physicochemical properties characteristic of each compound, which may ultimately impact upon the primary modality of phototoxicity.     

ACCUMULATION OF PORPHYRINS IN CELLS: INFLUENCE OF HYDROPHOBICITY AGGREGATION AND PROTEIN BINDING

Abstract— For a variety of chemically defined, synthetic and natural porphyrins, the tendency for self aggregation, binding to serum albumin, distribution coefficient betweenoctanol–1 and water and uptake in V79 Chinese hamster cells have been determined. A strong correlation was found between cell uptake and distribution into octanol. None of the other factors could be correlated with cell uptake. These observations might have an impact on the use of porphyrins in photodynamic and boron neutron capture therapy of tumors.     

FLUORESCENCE OF PHYTOCHROME IN THE CELLS OF DARK-GROWN PLANTS AND ITS CONNECTION WITH THE PHOTOTRANSFORMATIONS OF THE PIGMENT

Abstract Fluorescence of phytochrome is found in the cells of etiolated monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. The red light-absorbing form of phytochrome (P_r) fluoresces at 77 K with a yield 0.3±0.1 and maxima at 672–673 nm and 684–686 nm in the excitation and emission spectra, respectively. The emission is characterized by the sharp temperature dependence of its intensity, its high (～ 40%) polarization, and the violation of the mirror symmetry rule. Connection of the fluorescence with P_r photoreactions is followed in the interval 77–293 K. A P, photoproduct, lumi-R, is fluorescent with maxima at 696 nm and 705 nm in the excitation and emission spectra; the far-red light absorbing form of phytochrome (P_fr) is practically nonfluorescent. Three isochromic emitting P_r species are present differing in their photochemical properties: P_r1 and P_r2 which phototransform irreversibly and reversibly at T 170 K into lumi-R, and lumi-R₂, respectively, and P_r3 which undergoes photoconversion only at T > 240 K. The activation energies of P_r2 and P_r3 photoreactions are evaluated to be 2.9–3.3 kJ/mol and 26 kJ/mol. Complex dynamics of changes of P_r fluorescence and of the extent of its decrease in the photoconversion P_r? P_fr in germinating pea and bean seeds suggests the existence of two P_r pools one of which is incapable of P_r? P_fr phototransformation. Thus, the developed fluorescent method of phytochrome assay and investigation in the cell revealing multiplicity of phytochrome states in vivo proves to be very sensitive (about 1 ng) and informative.     

LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE LINE NARROWING OF NATIVE PORPHYRINS IN ANIMAL TISSUE

Using monochromatic laser excitation, narrowing of the porphyrins 0-0 fluorescence line in rat muscle tissue to a width of 50-70 cm^−l at 4.2 K is observed. Fluorescence spectra at different excitation wavelengths and excitation spectra are measured. Fluorescence line peak follows the shift of the excitation frequency. Several of the most prominent vibrational frequencies of porphyrins in the excited electronic state are determined.     

SUBCELLULAR DISTRIBUTION OF HYPERICIN IN HUMAN CANCER CELLS

Confocal laser microspectrofluorometric measurements on human T47D mammary tumor cells have been performed to assess the intracellular distribution of hypericin within the various cell compartments: cytoplasmic membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. Confocal fluorescence measurements obtained from microvolumes (? 1 μm³) located within the three sites of interest show that, while being primarily located in the cell membrane and cytoplasm after a short-term incubation in a 10^?6M hypericin-containing culture medium, hypericin actually reaches the inside of the cell nucleus after a long-term incubation (210 min). Moreover, owing to the relative fluorescence quantum yields of hypericin determined in vitro when the molecule interacts with DNA, membrane and protein model systems, it is assumed that there is a significant accumulation of the drug into the cell nucleus. Consequently, the nucleus has to be considered as a possible target for the toxic action of hypericin.     

DISTRIBUTION OF PORPHYRINS IN THE VARIOUS COMPARTMENTS OF UNILAMELLAR LIPOSOMES OF DIPALMITOYL-PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE AS PROBED BY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract— The spectroscopic properties of hematoporphyrin, hematoporphyrin-dimethyl ester, uroporphyrin and uroporphyrinoctamethyl ester, incorporated into unilamellar liposomes of dipalmitoylphos-phatidylcholine, have been studied with the aim to assess the distribution of porphyrins within the various liposomal compartments.
The results obtained indicate that the highly hydrosoluble uroporphyrin is partitioned in the endoliposomal aqueous pool while its octamethylester is homogeneously distributed in the inner lipid monolayer. Hematoporphyrin and its dimethylester show an heterogeneous distribution within the phospholipid bilayer. At T = 25°C these porphyrins are preferentially located in the outer phospholipid monolayer.
Detailed studies on hematoporphyrin indicate that the distribution between the inner and outer phospholipid monolayer is a function of temperature and liposome dimensions. In particular, the increase of temperature above the critical temperature for the liquid-gel phase transition of the liposomes causes a partial shift of the porphyrin molecules toward the inner phospholipid monolayer. Moreover, the increase of liposome dimensions leads to a greater accessibility of porphyrin to the external medium.     

THE PHOTODEGRADATION OF PORPHYRINS IN CELLS CAN BE USED TO ESTIMATE THE LIFETIME OF SINGLET OXYGEN

NHIK 3025 cells were incubated with Photofrin II (PII) and/or tetra (3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (3THPP) and exposed to light at either 400 or 420 nm, i.e. at the wavelengths of the maxima of the fluorescence excitation spectra of the two dyes. The kinetics of the photodegradation of the dyes were studied. When present separately in the cells the two dyes are photodegraded with a similar quantum yield. 3THPP is degraded 3-6 times more efficiently by light quanta absorbed by the fluorescent fraction of 3THPP than by light quanta absorbed by the fluorescent fraction of PII present in the same cells. The distance diffused by the reactive intermediate, supposedly mainly 1O2, causing the photodegradation was estimated to be on the order of 0.01-0.02 micron, which corresponds to a lifetime of 0.01-0.04 microsecond of the intermediate in the cells. PII has binding sites at proteins in the cells as shown by an energy transfer band in the fluorescence excitation spectrum at 290 nm. During light exposure this band decays faster than the Soret band of PII under the present conditions. Photoproducts (1O2 etc.) generated at one binding site contribute significantly in the destruction of remote binding sites.     

TIME-GATED FLUORESCENCE IMAGING FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF TUMORS IN A MURINE MODEL

A system for time-gated fluorescence imaging was used to perform measurements on tumor-bearing mice treated with hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD). The aim of the study was to define the potential of this technique in the diagnosis of tumors by taking advantage of the long fluorescence lifetime of the exogenous dye with respect to the decay times of the natural fluorescence. After the administration of three different drug doses (5, 10 and 25 mg/kg body weight), fluorescence images were acquired at various uptake times (from 2 h to 10 d), to determine the best instrumental conditions and experimental procedure for the detection of tumors in the murine model considered. The optimal fluorescence contrast between the tumor area and the surrounding healthy tissue was found at 12 h after the administration of either 5 or 10 mg/kg HpD and was anticipated at 8 h for the highest drug dose. In this optimum condition, the tumor region could be identified even after the injection of 5 mg/kg HpD. A better fluorescence contrast was always obtained in 15 ns-delayed images with respect to synchronous ones.     

MEASUREMENT OF THE TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF THE FLUORESCENCE QUANTUM YIELD OF ORGANIC MOLECULES IN SOLUTION

A DETAILED investigation of the temperature dependence of the fluorescence quantum yield φ_f can yield–directly or indirectly–significant information about behavior of excited states of organic molecules, such as the temperature effect on radiationless transitions and on photochemical reactivity. Variation of the temperature changes the viscosity of the solvent and, in conjunction with measurements of φ_f( T ), allows investigations of diffusion-controlled processes. For example, energy transfer and quenching processes as well as excimer or exciplex formation fall into this category. Recent review articles by Weller (1962) and Birks (1970) deal with this topic. Moreover, Huber and Mantulin (1972) have suggested that restraints placed upon geometric modifications of the excited molecule by temperature-induced changes in the solvent cage (variation of site structure) are reflected in a varying φ_f.
The purpose of this note is to describe and verify a simple procedure, accurate to about ± 5%, for measuring the relative fluorescence quantum yield as a function of temperature. A quantum yield study of 9,10-diphenylanthracene between room temperature and 77°K is employed to demonstrate the capabilities of this method. In addition, we consider an example of diffusion-controlled quenching by oxygen measured over a wide temperature range.     

EXCITATION-ENERGY TRANSFER BETWEEN TYROSINE AND TRYPTOPHAN IN PROTEINS EVALUATED BY THE SIMULTANEOUS MEASUREMENT OF FLUORESCENCE AND ABSORBANCE

Abstract— The efficiencies of the excitation–energy transfer from tyrosine to tryptophan residues in eight globular proteins in the native and denatured states are obtained by studying the wavelength dependence of the fluorescence quantum yield. The measurements are made over a wide wavelength range using a computer-controlled spectrophotometer which can measure the fluorescence and absorbance simultaneously in one sample solution (Wada et al. , 1980). The values of the energy transfer efficiencies ranged from 0.17 ± 0.12 to 0.69 ± 0.06 in the native state and from -0.04 ± 0.09 to 0.12 ± 0.06 in the denatured state. These values are considerably lower than the values reported by Kronman and Holmes (1971); in particular, an almost complete absence of energy transfer for the denatured state is shown.     

FLUORESCENCE OF TYROSINE AND TRYPTOPHAN IN PROTEINS USING ONE- AND TWO-PHOTON EXCITATION

Abstract— We examined the emission spectra of tyrosine- and tryptophan-containing proteins using one-photon (270–310 nm) and two-photon (565–610 nm) excitation. Emission spectra for two-photon excitation of native and denatured human serum albumin and of three purine nucleoside phosphorylases indicated an absence of the tyrosine emission normally seen for one-photon excitation below 290 nm. We examined the one-photon and two-photon excitation spectra of tyrosine-tryptophan mixtures to determine the origin of selective excitation of the tryptophan residues. These results confirmed a short-wavelength shift of the tyrosine two-photon excitation spectrum relative to that of tryptophan, as recently reported by Rehms and Callis (1993) Chem. Phys. Lett . 208 , 276–282.     

RELATIONS BETWEEN PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND FLUORESCENCE IN CELLS AND EXTRACTS OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA*

Abstract— Light-induced changes in the yield of bacteriochlorophyll fluorescence have been measured in cells and chromatophores of photosynthetic bacteria, and coordinated with light-induced absorbancy changes. Comparisons were drawn during transitions between dark and light steady states and also between steady states established at different light intensities. Aerobic cell suspensions of Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodopseudomonas spheroides, Chromatium and Rhodopseudomonas sp. NHTC 133 showed a strict correspondence between changes in the fluorescence yield and the bleaching of P870 (P985 in Rps. sp. NHTC 133), as reported by Vredenberg and Duysens for R. rubrum cells. The relationship shows that singlet excitation energy in bacteriochlorophyll is quenched by P870 at a rate proportional to the concentration of unbleached P870. This implies that the photosynthetic units are not independent with respect to energy transfer. In anaerobic cell suspensions the change in fluorescence did not follow the bleaching of P870 in the manner described by Vredenberg and Duysens. Here a change in fluorescence may have resulted from the reduction of a primary photochemical electron acceptor as well as from the oxidation (bleaching) of P870. In chromatophore preparations there were further deviations from the Vredenberg and Duysens relationship which could be attributed to changes in the rate constants for quenching of singlet excitation energy. Finally there was a light-induced increase in the fluorescence yield which was related to a band shift of bacteriochlorophyll and not to the bleaching of P870. Aerobic cell suspensions presented a limiting case in which these complications were absent. No change in the fluorescence was associated uniquely with the oxidation of cytochrome or band shifts of carotenoid pigments. These results, when coordinated with earlier findings about the fluorescence of bacteriochlorophyll and P870, indicate that the singlet excitation quantum is the only energy carrier linking the absorption of light with the initiation of photochemistry in bacterial photosynthesis.     

原子荧光法测定水中砷和硒的不确定度

对用氢化物发生原子荧光光谱法联合测定水中砷、硒的测量结果进行了不确定度评定。分析了测量不确定度的来源,如标准物质、样品取样体积、样品稀释体积、工作曲线的非线性及测量结果的重复性,对各不确定度分量进行了评定和计算。砷、硒含量测量的扩展不确定度均为5.28%。     

SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF AND PHOTOSENSITIZATION BY PROTOPORPHYRIN IX IN HUMAN KERATINOCYTES AND FIBROBLASTS CULTIVATED WITH 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID

Abstract— The subcellular localization of protoporphyrin (PP) has been studied by microspectrofluo-rometric techniques in NCTC 2544 keratinocytes incubated with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for times up to 42 h. Whereas the plasma membrane shows strong staining, fluorescent spots are observed within the cytoplasm especially in the perinuclear region. Although the topographic pattern of the PP distribution does not change much with the incubation time with ALA, the fluorescence spectra suggest that the PP microenvironments are quite different at short and long incubation times. Addition of 18 uJW desferoxamine almost doubles the ALA-induced PP concentration. Colocalization experiments with rhodamine 123, a mitochondrial probe, and lucifer yellow (LY) or neutral red (NR), two lysosome probes, demonstrate that at least some of these spots are of lysosomal origin. Study of the time evolution of the NR fluorescence under irradiation with visible light in the presence and absence of ALA demonstrates that lysosomes are damaged in cells that have synthesized PP. No PP fluorescence can be detected in mitochondria after incubation with ALA. However, photosensitization of mitochondria occurs under irradiation with visible light. Very little formation of lipofuscins by photosensitization with exogenous PP or ALA-induced PP is observed with the NCTC 2544 keratinocytes, as compared to normal human fibroblasts.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PHOTOREACTION BETWEEN DNA AND AMINOMETHYL-TRIMETHYLPSORALEN USING ABSORPTION AND FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

–The use of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for following the progress of the photo-reaction between DNA and 4'-aminomethyl-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (AMT) has been investigated. Absorption at long wavelengths and fluorescence both decline upon intercalation of AMT into the DNA helix. The loss of fluorescence from AMT and the accompanying appearance of monoadduct fluorescence upon irradiation by UV light can be easily followed by using the excitation beam of a spectro-fluorometer as the source of irradiation and monitoring the changing emission spectrum. Where cross-link formation is possible, the subsequent decline of monoadduct fluorescence is seen as well. This suggests that the 4,5-tnonoadduct is a precursor of cross-links. Both monoaddition and cross-linking are more rapid with poly d(A·T) than with calf thymus DNA or poly d(A·T). Excitation spectra can be helpful in resolving the levels of AMT and 4',5'-monoadduct when both are contributing to the emission spectrum. Some changes are observed in the emission spectrum of AMT–poly d(A·T) monoadducts after prolonged irradiation which indicate further photoreaction.     

CHLOROPHYLL a FLUORESCENCE YIELD IN LIVE CELLS AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract— Fluorescence yields of chlorophyll a in ether and methanol solutions ( F_s ), on the one hand, and in Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Anacystis nidulans cells (F_c), on the other hand, were determined by excitation at 600 mμ (instead of at 436 mμ, as was done in earlier research in our, and other, laboratories). The ratio of the yields Fs/F_c , was found to be 5.9 for Chlorella (compared to an ether solution of chlorophyll a ), and of 4.5 (as compared to a methanol solution—not too different from the corresponding ratios of fluorescence lifetimes, τ_s /τ_c which were determined earlier as 3.1 and 4, respectively. The much higher values of the yield ratio, previously reported for Chlorella (about 13, compared to chlorophyll a in ether solution), may have been due to disregard of light absorption in carotenoids in live cells; and perhaps also to quenching of chlorophyll excitation by carotenoids. The latter can occur (as suggested in an earlier publication) when chlorophyll is excited to its second singlet excited state.
For Anacystis , the yield ratios were now found to be 5.1 and 3.8, when compared to ether and methanol solutions respectively; while the previously determined lifetime ratios were 3.7 and 4.9, respectively. It remains to be seen whether the remaining differences between the lifetime ratios and the yield ratios are real and significant.     

利用荧光探针研究聚甲基丙烯酰胺溶液中的疏水微区

利用荧光探针研究聚甲基丙烯酰胺溶液中的疏水微区沈燕清，江鹏飞，吴世康（中国科学院感光化学研究所，北京，１００１０１）关键词荧光探针，疏水微区，聚甲基丙烯酰胺微多相体系研究近年来受到广泛的注意，它不仅是由于长期来已经发现：不同结构的微多相体系如胶束，乳...     

激光诱导荧光法研究CN(V″=0,1)自由基与碳氢化合物的反应速率和机理

The rate constants of eleven hydrocarbons and fluorocarbons with CN (V″=0, 1) at 300 K have been measured by using Laser Induced Fluorescence(LIF) method For the saturated hydrocarbons, the rate constants are changed from (5.6±0.3)×10~(-13) for CH_4 to (2.3±0.2)×10~(-10)cm~3 molecu~(-1).s~(-1) for C_7H_(16). The rate constants of the reaction of CN with alkenes and alkynes are close to the gas kinetic rate in spite of the structure of the molecules.The rate constants and mechanism of CN with the saturated hydrocarbons, H_2 and CH_3OH can be explained satisfactorily by the long distance attractive potential. The reaction of CN with alkenes and alkynes can only proceed through the addition into π bond. The influence of vibrational energy on the reaction rate was not found in the reactions of CN radical with hydrocarbon compounds.