Methylene Blue--a therapeutic dye for all seasons?
Since it was first synthesised in 1876, Methylene Blue (MB) has found uses in many different areas of clinical medicine, ranging from dementia to cancer chemotherapy. In addition, MB formed the basis of antimicrobial chemotherapy--particularly in the area of antimalarials--and eventually led to the discovery of the neuroleptic drug families. More recently, the photosensitising potential of MB and its congeners has been recognised, and these are being applied in various antimicrobial fields, especially that of blood disinfection. The range of activities of MB is due to the combination of its simple chemical structure and facility for oxidation-reduction reactions in situ.
Wainwright
M
M
Centre for Photodynamic Therapy and Photobiology, Department of Colour Chemistry, The University, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. ccdmw@leeds.ac.uk
Crossley
K B
KB
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008751:Methylene Blue