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Porphyrin-sensitized photodynamic inactivation of cells: A review

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Abstract

When mammalian cells are exposed to light in the presence of photosensitizers, such as porphyrins, a number of reactions takes place. The most important photoproduct is singlet oxygen, which reacts with and degrades a variety of biomolecules. This species can travel only about 0.1μm in a cell during its lifetime. Therefore, the structures most exposed to photodamage are those containing high concentrations of sensitizer. For porphyrins, membranes and mitochondria are such structures. Photosensitized damage to mitochondria and membranes has been observed by several techniques. The incubation time with sensitizers is critical since the rates of accumulation of sensitizer are different at different cellular locations. Several other aspects of the action of photosensitizers are reviewed: Have sublethal doses any effect on proliferation and DNA? How can photodynamic treatment act selectively on tumour tissue? Should photodynamic cancer treatment be combined with other therapies? Does photodynamic therapy work under low oxygen concentrations?

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  1. Norsk Hydro's Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, 0310, Oslo 3, Norway

    Johan Moan

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Moan, J. Porphyrin-sensitized photodynamic inactivation of cells: A review. Laser Med Sci 1, 5–12 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02030731

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02030731

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