Photodynamic therapy with toluidine blue in Jurkat cells: cytotoxicity, subcellular localization and apoptosis induction.

Toluidine blue (TBO) is a cationic thiazine dye with an affinity for neoplastic tissues in vivo. The objective of this study was to explore the in vitro photosensitizing potential of TBO and its capacity to induce apoptosis in human leukaemic T cells. Jurkat cells were incubated with TBO for one hour followed by exposure to 11 J cm(-2) of visible light from a slide projector.

Systemic photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid induces apoptosis in lesional T lymphocytes of psoriatic plaques.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a recently approved treatment modality that involves the sequential administration of a photosensitizer or its precursor and light to generate singlet oxygen for treating diseased tissue. The use of topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and blue light for nonhypertrophic actinic keratoses currently represents the only approved dermatologic application for PDT in the U.S.

Photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid induces apoptosis and caspase activation in malignant T cells.

Background: Preliminary studies have suggested that photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) can improve psoriasis and mycosis fungoides, two diseases where normal or malignant T cells play a central role.

Objectives: To determine if ALA-PDT induces apoptosis and caspase activation in Jurkat cells, a malignant T-cell line.

Methods: Jurkat cells were incubated with ALA in the presence of [14C]-thymidine followed by red light exposure.

Healing of experimental aneurysms. II: Platelet extracts can increase the thickness of the neointima at the neck of treated aneurysms.

Purpose: To assess the effect of platelet extracts (PE) on neointima formation following gelfoam packing of experimental porcine aneurysms. A strategy involving the local delivery of platelet growth factors may potentially improve long term results of endovascular treatment of aneurysms.

Methods: Bilateral lateral wall common carotid aneurysms were constructed on 30 pigs.

Acquired immunity in experimental murine aspergillosis is mediated by macrophages.

A number of studies have substantiated the pivotal role of innate defense mechanisms in protection against invasive aspergillosis. However, experiments demonstrating increased resistance to lethal intravenous (i.v.