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Membrane damage caused by 8-MOP and UVA-treatment of cultivated cells
Abstract:
Treatment of red blood cells with a combination of 8-MOP and UVA did not cause any significant hemolysis under the experimental conditions used, and the deuterium test for identification of singlet oxygen mediated reactions was negative. However, similar experiments performed on in vitro cultivated human glia cells caused conspicuous surface membrane alterations, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The alterations were seen at higher concentration levels than was expected and might be secondary to earlier appearing intracellular events seen at lower concentrations. The clinical significance of membrane alterations for the results obtained with PUVA therapy require further investigation.
Insights
Photochemotherapy with 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and UVA light did not harm red blood cells. However, it caused significant membrane alterations in human glia cells in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Photochemotherapy, particularly PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) therapy, is a common treatment for skin conditions.
- The precise cellular mechanisms and potential side effects of PUVA therapy, especially on non-target cells, require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) combined with ultraviolet A (UVA) light on red blood cells and in vitro cultivated human glia cells.
- To determine if singlet oxygen is involved in the observed reactions.
Main Methods:
- Red blood cells and human glia cells were treated with 8-MOP and UVA.
- Hemolysis was assessed.
- Deuterium exchange tests were used to detect singlet oxygen.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine cell surface membrane alterations in glia cells.
Main Results:
- Treatment of red blood cells with 8-MOP and UVA did not induce significant hemolysis.
- The deuterium test for singlet oxygen-mediated reactions was negative.
- Human glia cells exhibited conspicuous surface membrane alterations upon exposure to 8-MOP and UVA.
- These alterations were observed at higher concentrations than anticipated and may be secondary to intracellular events.
Conclusions:
- 8-MOP and UVA treatment is not hemolytic to red blood cells under the tested conditions.
- Glia cell membrane alterations occur following PUVA treatment, suggesting potential cellular toxicity.
- The clinical relevance of these membrane alterations in the context of PUVA therapy warrants further investigation.