DETERMINANTS OF PHOTOSENSITIZATION BY MONO-L-ASPARTYL CHLORIN e6

The mono-N-aspartyl derivative of chlorin e6 (MACE) is a new photosensitizer being examined for use in anti-neoplastic photodynamic therapy. Studies were carried out to identify unique aspects of MACE localization by murine leukemia L1210 cells in vitro. Octanol/water partitioning studies were used to quantitate the hydrophobicity of MACE and two analogs, chlorin e6 and mesochlorin. Sites of cellular localization of these dyes were probed by fluorescence studies, and by examining loci of photodamage. These studies indicate that MACE, a hydrophilic dye, partitions to cytoplasmic loci. Data obtained with chlorin e6, a more hydrophobic dye, are consistent with binding at both membrane and cytoplasmic sites. A substantially more hydrophobic product, meso-chlorin, binds primarily to the cell membrane. While the tumor-localizing porphyrin product HPD binds to plasma LDL less than HDL, MACE and CE are predominantly bound to plasma protein and HDL. Patterns of distribution and localization of MACE differ substantially from those observed with HPD and other hydrophobic sensitizers. Phototoxic effects of MACE could not be specifically attributed to membrane or mitochondrial damage.     

PHOTOBLEACHING OF MONO-l-ASPARTYL CHLORIN e6 (NPe6): A CANDIDATE SENSITIZER FOR THE PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY OF TUMORS

Abstract— Most sensitizers used for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumors photobleach on illumination. Thus, it is of interest to examine the photobleaching behavior of new sensitizers proposed for use in PDT. This report surveys the quantum yields and kinetics of the photobleaching of mono- l -aspartyl chlorin e₆ (NPe6), a hydrophilic chlorin that has many of the photoproperties desirable in a sensitizer for clinical PDT. It is a very effective sensitizer for the PDT of several types of model tumors in animals and is now in Phase I clinical trials. The quantum yield of NPe6 photobleaching in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer in air was 8.2 × 10⁻⁴; this is greater than the yields for typical porphyrin photosensitizers. For example, the yields for hematoporphyrin and uroporphyrin are 4.7 × 10 ⁵ and 2.8 × 10⁻⁵, respectively. The yield decreased significantly in organic solvents of low dielectric constant. The Sn derivative of NPe6 was more light stable than NPe6 (yield = 5.7 × 10 ⁻⁶), while the Zn derivative was more sensitive (yield = 1.9 × 10⁻²). Oxygen appeared to be necessary for the photobleaching of NPe6; however, bleaching was not inhibited by 100 mM azide, an efficient quencher of singlet oxygen. The photooxidizable substrates cysteine, dithiothreitol and furfuryl alcohol increased the quantum yield of photoblcaching two- to four-fold, while the electron acceptor, met-ronidazole, increased it almost six-fold. Photobleaching yields for several other chlorins were also measured.     

The Effects of Serum on Cellular Uptake and Phototoxicity of Mono-L-Aspartyl Chlorin e6 (NPe6) In Vitro

Abstract— Previous reports showed that the photosensitizer mono- l -aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) binds to serum proteins. However, the influence of this binding on the cellular uptake and photodynamic therapy (PDT) phototoxicity of NPe6 is still undefined. In this paper, we studied how serum in medium affected the P388 cellular uptake and PDT phototoxicity of NPe6 in vitro. This was assessed by (1) detection of the red shift (654 nm Q band peak of absorption) induced by protein binding NPe6; (2) detection of intracellular concentration of NPe6 by HPLC and (3) measurements of the cell survival ratio after PDT by MTT assay. The 654 nm Q band peak of NPe6 shifted to 665 nm after binding of NPe6 and serum proteins. The protein-bound NPe6 cannot be uptaken by cells, thus there was no PDT phototoxicity. Nevertheless, phototoxicity recovered when the concentration of NPe6 excessed the serum protein binding ability or there was free serum protein in the medium. These data suggested that the cellular uptake of NPe6 is inhibited by serum components in the medium, and that only free NPe6 is accumulated by P388 cells even during relatively long incubations. The cytotoxicity of PDT mainly depends on the free NPe6 level in the medium.     

LIPOPROTEIN-MEDIATED DISTRIBUTION OF N-ASPARTYL CHLORIN-E6 IN THE MOUSE

The localization of many photosensitizing agents has been attributed to distribution of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-bound drug as a function of the relative numbers of LDL receptors in different tissues. While the chlorin derivative NPe6 is a potent photosensitizing agent in the mouse, it binds mainly to mouse plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) and albumin, with only 1% bound to LDL. This pattern suggests only a minor role for the LDL-receptor pathway with regard to N-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) biodistribution. Moreover, patterns of accumulation of radioactive NPe6, LDL and HDL in murine tissues are consistent with the suggestion that distribution of NPe6 to different tissues cannot be explained on the basis of an LDL-mediated mechanism.     

In vitro PHOTODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF LYSYL CHLORIN p6: CELL SURVIVAL, LOCALIZATION AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES

The in vitro cell survival, localization and ultrastructural changes following irradiation were examined in 9L glioma cells sensitized with a new photosensitizer, lysyl chlorin p₆ (LCP). In clonogenic assays, LCP was 10–100-fold more phototoxic than photofrin II on a μg/mL basis. Lysyl chlorin p₆ uptake was blocked when cells were incubated at 2°C. In view of the chemical properties of LCP, this finding indicates that uptake probably occurred through the endocytic pathway. Fluorescence studies showed LCP localized in a region of the endocytic compartment similar in size, shape and distribution to that labeled by lucifer yellow CH (LY), as well as localizing diffusely throughout the perinuclear cytoplasm. Cells stained with both LY and LCP, however, had distinctly separate regions of staining. Lysyl chlorin p₆ localization differed from that of fluorescent probes labeling the mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Ultrastructural changes at both 2 and 30 min after laser irradiation were similar. Mitochondria were often condensed or swollen and also had constrictions and cytoplasmic invaginations. The Golgi apparatus, perinuclear space and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were dilated. These data demonstrate that LCP localizes in a portion of the endosomal compartment, but that morphologic damage initially occurs in the mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and RER.     

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.     

Amelioration of Airway Stenosis in Rabbit Models by Photodynamic Therapy with Talaporfin Sodium (NPe6)

It is difficult to treat patients with acquired airway stenosis, and the quality of life of such patients is therefore lowered. We have suggested the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a new treatment for airway stenosis and have determined the efficacy of PDT in animal disease models using a second-generation photosensitizer with reduced photosensitivity. An airway stenosis rabbit model induced by scraping of the tracheal mucosa was administered NPe6 (5 mg kg⁻¹), and the stenotic lesion was irradiated with 670 nm light emitted from a cylindrical diffuser tip at 60 J cm⁻² under bronchoscopic monitoring. PDT using NPe6 improved airway stenosis ( P  = 0.043) and respiratory stridor. A significant prolongation of survival time was seen in the PDT-treated animals compared to that in the untreated animals ( P  = 0.025) and 44% of the treated animals achieved long-term survival (>60 days). In conclusion, PDT using NPe6 is effective for improvement in airway stenosis.     

碳纳米管在聚对苯二甲酸丙二酯/乙烯-醋酸乙烯酯共聚物不相容共混体系中的选择性分散

采用熔融共混法制备了碳纳米管(CNT)填充改性的聚对苯二甲酸丙二酯(PTT)/乙烯-醋酸乙烯酯共聚物(EVA)三元复合材料.通过扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、接触角测量仪、旋转流变仪等研究了该复合材料中碳纳米管的分布、不相容的相形态以及流变和力学性能.研究结果表明,与EVA相比,PTT组分具有较低...     

LOCALIZATION OF ULTRA WEAK PHOTON EMISSION IN PLANTS

Abstract— Ultraweak light emission and light piping of cucumber seedlings was shown using two-dimensional photon imaging via an ultrahigh sensitive photon counting image acquisition system. A macroscopic localization of the photon generating region was achieved.     

TRANSMITTANCE OF NONIONIZING RADIATION IN HUMAN TISSUES*

Abstract— Spectral transmittance of 400–865 nm radiation through various human structures, including the skull with scalp, the chest wall, abdominal wall and scrotum, is presented. There is essentially no visible light of wavelengths shorter than 500 nm transmitted through the chest or the abdominal wall. In contrast, 10^?5–10^?4 of blue light can reach the brain and testes. Transmittance of all tissues increases progressively with wavelength from 600 to 814nm. The maximal transmittances are 10^?2–10^?1 for skulls and scrota, and 10^?3–10^?2 for chest and abdominal walls. Tissue thickness, optical absorption and scattering are major influencing factors.     

UNUSUALLY HIGH AFFINITY OF Zn(II)-TETRADIBENZOBARRELENOOCTABUTOXY- PHTHALOCYANINE FOR LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS IN A TUMOR-BEARING MOUSE

Abstract— An important factor in determining the efficacy of photosensitizing compounds in photodynamic therapy of tumors is the level to which tumors take up the photosensitizers after systemic injection. This parameter seems to be related to the transport modalities of the photosensitizer in the bloodstream. In this work the photosensitizer Zn(II)-tetradibenzobarreleno-octabutoxyphthalocyanine was shown to have an unprecedentedly high association with low-density lipoproteins (71% of the phthalocyanine in the plasma) when delivered in Cremophor micelles to tumor-bearing mice. This was accompanied by a particularly high tumor uptake at 24 h post-injection.     

THE USE OF INTERNALIZABLE DERIVATIVES OF CHLORIN E6 FOR INCREASING ITS PHOTOSENSITIZING ACTIVITY

Experiments with human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 cells and human embryo skin fibroblasts involving the use of three different tests (colony formation, Trypan blue exclusion, labeled thymidine incorporation) have demonstrated a significantly higher photosensitizing activity of chlorin e₆ conjugates with internalizable ligands as compared to that of chlorin e₆ itself. Receptor-mediated internalization of chlorin e₆ conjugates ensures a greater photosensitization of cells than binding of those conjugates to cell surface receptors. The suitability of such conjugates that permit the delivery of a photosensitizer to sensitive intracellular targets is discussed.     

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)     

IDENTIFICATION AND LOCALIZATION OF PHOTOALKYLATED BASES IN DNA FRAGMENTS

Abstract— Antibodies directed toward 8-(2-hydroxy-2-propyI)-deoxyguanosine-5'-monophosphate (8-hpdGMP), a product of the photoalkylation of deoxyguanosine-5'-monophosphate with 2-propanol, were shown to be highly specific and sensitive in detecting 8-hpdGMP residues in photoalkylated DNA.
The antibodies were further used to determine the distribution of modified guanine residues in DNA. The irradiated DNA was digested with restriction enzymes and the fragments obtained were separated electrophoretically and blotted onto diazotized paper. The covalently bound DNA fragments were probed with the antibodies and then with ¹²⁵I Staphylococcus aureus protein A. These experiments indicate a non-random distribution of modified guanine residues in øX174 RF DNA molecules.     

IN VIVO and POST MORTEM MEASUREMENTS OF THE ATTENUATION SPECTRA OF LIGHT IN MAMMALIAN TISSUES

Abstract— The attenuation of light in rabbit liver and striated muscle and in pig brain has been measured in the wavelength range400–800 nrn. A variable-wavelength monochromatic light source was used to illuminate the surface of the exposed tissues in situ. Optical fibers, coupled to a single photon counter, were positioned within the tissues at different depths to determine the distribution of light flux along the central axis of the light beam. The wavelength-dependence of attenuation was measured in vivo, and changes occurring in the attenuation spectra immediately post mortem were recorded. Strong absorption bands were observed around 425 nm and 550 nm in all three tissues, both in vivo and post mortem. At longer wavelengths, the attenuation decreased slowly, and no significant structure was observed. Substantial changes occurred immediately post mortem, particularly in the absorption bands. These effects are attributed mainly to de-oxygenation of blood, and changes in blood concentration in the tissues. The implications for light dosimetry in photodynamic therapy are discussed.     

微波技术用于腐败动物组织中吗啡的检测研究

采用微波酸水解和微波酶水解的方法，建立了一套检测腐败动物组织中吗啡的方法。与传统的水浴加热水解相比较，微波水解大大缩短了水解时间，能够使吗啡与蛋白充分解离。该方法具有快速，灵敏度、精确度和准确度高的特点，适合大批量腐败生物检材的标准化分析测定，并成功应用于一些案例的检测工作，取得了良好的效果。     

TRANS-MEMBRANE LOCALIZATION OF REACTION CENTER PROTEINS IN RHODOPSEUDOMONAS SPHAEROIDES CHROMATOPHORES

Abstract— Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides NCIB 8253 chromatophores were treated with trypsin and pronase to determine which of the three reaction center subunits was exposed at the outer surface and susceptible to digestion. Trypsin (37°C, 60min) produced no detectable digestion of any subunit, based on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. Pronase (37°C, 60min) digested the H (28 kdalton) subunit but left the M (22 kdalton) and L (19 kdalton) subunits intact. We conclude that the H subunit is significantly exposed at the outer chromatophore surface but that the M and L subunits are probably not externally exposed. Chromatophores which had been pronase-treated were fully photochemically active, as measured by light-induced carotenoid bandshift at 522 nm. The H subunit is apparently unnecessary for primary photochemistry in situ.     

Shiga-like toxin subunit B (SLTB)-enhanced delivery of chlorin e6 (Ce6) improves cell killing

We used Shiga-like toxin B subunit (SLTB) to deliver the photosensitizer, chlorin e6 (Ce6), to Vero cells expressing the Gb3 receptor. Our aim was to provide an example of carrier-enhanced photodynamic cell killing with which to start a systematic consideration of photosensitizer delivery at the subcellular level. SLTB, in contrast to many other potential protein carriers, is delivered intracellularly to the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Ce6 was chosen both for its phototoxic properties and its potential for covalent conjugation with SLTB. Ce6-SLTB after cleanup contained < or =10% noncovalently bound Ce6. The noncovalent binding of porphyrins and chlorins to protein conjugates has been well documented, and hence the effective cleanup procedure is a significant accomplishment. We demonstrate that Ce6-SLTB enhances delivery of Ce6 to target cells as compared to free Ce6. In Vero cells, Ce6-SLTB was over an order of magnitude more photodynamically toxic than free Ce6. Moreover, we show that in the case of Ce6-SLTB, photosensitizer accumulation is in a combination of subcellular sites including mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, ER and plasma membrane. The occurrence in nature of diverse B subunit binding sites and the possibilities of varied intracellular delivery make optimized use of B subunit carriers attractive.