Spectroscopic, morphologic, and cytotoxic studies on major fractions of hematoporphyrin derivative and Photofrin II.

This study characterizes the special properties of hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) (Photofrin I) and Photofrin II with respect to the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the subfractions of the compounds in both solution and cells. In addition, data are presented demonstrating variation in the spectral amplitudes with respect to the age (shelf-life) of the commercially available compounds. Data are also presented confirming that fraction III is the active ingredient-containing fraction with respect to photosensitivity. The morphologic and electron microscopic analyses demonstrate that the first visible effect on cells following porphyrin sensitization can be detected within 1 minute of low level light exposure (10 J/cm2, 630 nm). The initial sites of morphologic damage are the mitochondria.