Present aspects concerning the molecular mechanisms of photochemotherapy with psoralens.

Abstract

The various photophysical and photochemical events that can be produced by psoralens after their excitation by UV-A radiation are reviewed, with particular reference to their possible significance for induction of photobiological effects. A close correlation has been found between the covalent photoaddition of furocoumarins to the pyrimidine bases of DNA and the inhibition of DNA synthesis inside living cells; this fact underlines the importance of this photoaddition for the antiproliferative effects exerted by furocoumarins. A good correlation has also been found between the formation of cross-linkages in DNA and the induction of erythema on skin; monofunctional furocoumarins, like methyl-angelicin derivatives, are unable to induce erythema, although they have very strong antiproliferative properties.

• Authors: G Rodighiero, F Dall'Acqua
• Journal: Drugs under experimental and clinical research (Drugs Exp Clin Res) Vol. 12 Issue 6-7 Pg. 507-15 ( 1986) ISSN: 0378-6501 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 3527629 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Furocoumarins
• angelicin

Topics

• DNA Replication
• Erythema (genetics)
• Fluorescence
• Furocoumarins (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Luminescent Measurements
• Molecular Conformation
• Nucleic Acid Conformation
• PUVA Therapy (adverse effects)