Abstract
Biologists know that a cell is sensitive only to the radiation it absorbs, but that when the cell takes on a photosensitizer, it can absorb radiation it normally cannot. We know that cells of light-colored human skin normally absorb little visible and UV-A radiation, but all we need do is provide these cells with appropriate photosensitizers and they suddenly absorb these kinds of radiation. This can result in damage to the epidermal prickle cells, much like sunburn. All epidermal cells, whether in people, animals, or plants, and all free-swimming cells, are subject to photosen-sitization. By analogy, consider the photographic process, in which a pure silver chloride emulsion on film is sensitive only to the short end of the spectrum, the blue, violet and ultraviolet rays. If we add a dye, such as pinacyanol, it will absorb over the entire range of visible wavelengths. The dye acts as a sensitizer by transmitting the light energy from all the wavelengths it absorbs to the silver chloride, making the film sensitive to the entire rainbow of colors from violet to red seen by the human eye.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
For Additional Reading
Blum, R. F., Photodynamic Action and Diseases Caused by Light, Reinhold, 1964.
Diamond, I., McDonaugh, A. F., Wilson, C. B., Gronelli, S. G., Nielson, S., and Joenicke, R. “Photodynamic Therapy of Malignant Tumors.” Lancet 2 (1972): 1175–1177.
Epstein, J. H., and Fukuyama, K. “Effects of 8-MOP-Induced Phototoxic Effects of Mammalian Epidermal Macromolecular Synthesis in Vivo.” Photochemistry and Photobiology 21 (1975): 325–330.
Fitzpatrick, T. B., Pathak, M. A., Harber, L. C, Seiji, M. and Kukita, A. eds. Sunlight and Man, Tokyo: Tokyo University Press, 1974, pp. 314–333, 335–368, 359–387, 459–477, 495–513, 631–653, 659–668, 783–791.
Giese, A. C. “Photosensitization by Natural Pigments.” In Photophysiology, vol. 6, edited by A. C. Giese. New York: Academic Press, 1971, pp. 77–129.
Giese, A. C. Blepharisma—The Biology of a Light-Sensitive Protozoan, Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1973.
Grossweiner, L. I. “Molecular Mechanisms in Photodynamic Action.” Photochemistry and Photobiology 10 (1969): 183–189.
Harber, L. C, and Baer, R. L. “Pathogenic Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Photosensitivity.” Archives of Dermatology 58 (1972): pp. 327–342.
Jarratt, M. “Phototherapy of Dye-Sensitized Herpes Virus.” Abstracts Third Annual Meeting, American Society for Photobiology, (1975): pp. 40–42.
Krinsky, N. I. “The Protective Function of Carotenoid Pigments.” In Photophysiology, vol. 3, edited by A. C. Giese. New York: Academic Press, 1968, pp. 123–195.
Musajo, L. and Rodighiero, G. “Mode of Photosensitizing Action of Furocoumarins.” In Photophysiology, vol. 7, edited by A. C. Giese. New York: Academic Press, (1972), pp. 115–147.
Parrish, J. A., Fitzpatrick, T. B., Tanenbaum, L., and Pathak, M. A. “Photochemo-therapy of Psoriasis with Oral Methoxalen and Longwave Ultraviolet Light.” New England Journal of Medicine 291 (1974): 1207–1211.
Phototherapy of the Newborn: an Overview. Washington D.C.: National Academy of Science USA, 1975.
Runge, W. J. “Photosensitivity in Porphyria.” In Photophysiology, vol. 7, edited by A. C. Giese. New York: Academic Press, 1972, pp. 149–162.
Scheel, L. O. Toxicants Occurring Naturally in Food Materials, edited by F. M. Strong. Washington, D.C.: National Research Council, National Academy of Science, U.S.A. 1973, pp. 558–572.
Shelley, W. B. “Photosensitizers.” In Dermatoses Due to Environmental and Physical Factors, edited by R. B. Rees. Springfield, Illinois: Thomas, 1962, pp. 88–103.
Urbach, R. ed. The Biologic Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation. Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1969, pp. 489–511, 513–525, 527–532.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1976 Plenum Press, New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Giese, A.C. (1976). Photosensitization of Cells. In: Living with Our Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8744-6_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8744-6_7
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-8746-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-8744-6
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive