Abstract
Recent work in our laboratory demonstrating the intracellular DNA-modifying potential of phototherapy with and without physiologic photosensitizing agents (riboflavin) has generated some concern since many carcinogens, mutagens and/or teratogens derive their activity from a similar ability to modify DNA. The purpose of the present report is to characterize this intracellular DNA-modification utilizing a technique which may prove useful in identifying photochemical changes in the genetic material of irradiated infants. Human (KB) cells, treated with phototherapy in the presence of riboflavin were exposed to rabbit anti-nucleoside antibodies. These antibodies, which react with free base residues, are capable of reacting with single stranded, denatured or partially denatured regions of the DNA. The cells were then exposed to peroxidase labelled sheep anti-rabbit antibody. Examination of the cells revealed light activated riboflavin photo-oxidation of the guanine residues. These changes were observed at wavelengths of light (450 nm) identical to those utilized in phototherapy and with a total light dosage (141 μwatts Cm2) significantly less than that received by a newborn in our nursery during a 24-hour period. Further development of this technique might prove useful in demonstrating similar changes in cells of illuminated infants and thereby permit us to intelligently define the risk-benefit ratio of phototherapy in our newborn populations.
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Santella, R., Rosenkranz, H. & Speck, W. PEROXIDASE TECHNIQUE FOR THE DETECTION OF PHOTO-CHEMICAL LESIONS IN INTRACELLULAR DNA. Pediatr Res 11, 541 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01030
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01030