Mitochondria and Apoptosis in Photodynamic Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Chiu S-M, Oleinick N L
Primary Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between mitochondrial membrane potential loss and cytochrome c release during apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy.
Conclusion
The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria during photodynamic therapy is independent of the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential.
Supporting Evidence
- Photodynamic therapy with Pc 4 induced apoptosis in 80-90% of mouse lymphoma cells.
- Caspase-3-like activity increased more than 20-fold within one hour after treatment.
- Cytochrome c was released from mitochondria at 15 minutes after irradiation.
- Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential depended on the PDT dose and post-treatment time.
Takeaway
When certain light is used to treat cancer cells, they can die, but the way they die doesn't always depend on changes in their energy-producing parts.
Methodology
The study assessed the correlation between mitochondrial membrane potential loss and cytochrome c release using various doses of photodynamic therapy on mouse lymphoma cells.
Participant Demographics
Mouse lymphoma (LY-R) cells were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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