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Light-induced photon emission by mammalian cells
R van Wijk1, H van Aken, W Mei
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, State University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Light-induced photon emission (IPE) was measured in various mammalian cells. Fibroblastic cells exhibited the highest IPE, differing from non-fibroblastic normal and malignant cells.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Biophotonics
Background:
- Light-induced photon emission (IPE) is a low-level phenomenon.
- Previous studies suggest differences in IPE between normal and malignant cells.
- Mammalian cells emit photons upon light stimulation, a process requiring sensitive detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify light-induced photon emission (IPE) in diverse mammalian cell types.
- To compare IPE levels across different mammalian species and tissues.
- To determine if fibroblastic cells exhibit unique IPE characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single photon counting device with a cooled photomultiplier tube for sensitive IPE detection.
- Examined cell suspensions from various mammalian species (cat, Chinese hamster, cow, dog, human, monkey, mouse, rat).
- Analyzed IPE across different cell types, including normal, malignant, and fibroblastic cells.
Main Results:
- IPE was detected in all tested mammalian cell types.
- IPE levels varied significantly among cell types, ranging from 4 to 100 photons per 10(4) cells.
- Cells of fibroblastic origin demonstrated the highest IPE values compared to other cell types.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian cells exhibit measurable light-induced photon emission (IPE).
- IPE levels are cell-type specific and vary across species and tissues.
- Fibroblastic cells are characterized by significantly higher IPE, distinguishing them from non-fibroblastic normal and malignant cells.