Photodynamic Hemolysis caused by α-Terthienyl

Abstract

The photohemolysis of human erythrocytes caused by α-terthienyl was partially inhibited by 10 mM sodium azide or 2,5-dimethylfuran, singlet oxygen scavengers, but not by 2,6,-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, a radical scavenger.

Lipid peroxidation was observed with erythrocyte ghosts. In contrast to the hemolysis of intact cells, 2,6,-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, completely inhibited lipid peroxidation, although azide partially protected the membrane. The results of the above two inhibitor experiments are in conflict and suggest that lipid peroxidation of the membrane is not the main cause of the photohemolysis.

Crosslinking of the membrane proteins, especially spectrins, was also observed, although radioactivity of ³H-α-terthienyl was not found in the crosslinked proteins.