Meso-tetraphenylporphyrin: photosensitizing properties and cytotoxic effects on cultured tumor cells.
In this study we analyzed photosensitizing and photodamaging properties of the hydrophobic meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP, incorporated into liposomes) on HeLa cells. Under the fluorescence microscope, red fluorescence by TPP was detected on the cell surface. TPP followed by violet-blue or red irradiation led to cell death, blebs and plasma membrane deformations appearing immediately after photodynamic treatment. Production of singlet oxygen by TPP was studied by analyzing tryptophan photodegradation, which increased in the presence of D2O and was abolished by NaN3. Present results suggest that the plasma membrane is the main cellular target for TPP, which could be a valuable photosensitizing drug in studies on photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain.
M
M
Canete
A
A
Villanueva
V
V
Dominguez
S
S
Polo
A
A
Juarranz
J C
JC
Stockert
D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008081:Liposomes; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000737:chemistry
D008081:Liposomes; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D014364:Tryptophan; C049692:tetraphenylporphine