Fluorescence and Mass Spectrometry Studies of Meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin Photoproducts

• Published in: Photochemistry and photobiology 1999-09, Vol.70 (3), p.275-279
• Main Authors: Kasselouri, A., Bourdon, O., Demore, D., Blais, J. C., Prognon, P., Bourg-Heckly, G., Blais, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Methyldopa - analogs & derivatives; Methyldopa - chemistry; Methyldopa - isolation & purification; Molecular Weight; Photochemistry; Photosensitizing Agents - chemistry; Photosensitizing Agents - isolation & purification; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
• ISSN: 0031-8655; 1751-1097
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.1999.tb08135.x

The mefa‐tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (m‐THPC), a second‐generation sensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), is currently under clinical trial. In vivo fluorom‐etry provides direct evidence that photobleaching processes are induced at the tumor site during PDT. Pho‐toproduct formation has thus to be taken into account to fully understand PDT treatment. A preliminary step is to determine the fluorescence characteristics of photo‐products formed in solution. Solutions of m‐THPC irradiated at 514 nm have been separated by HPLC using absorption and fluorescence detection. Six main photo‐products have been isolated. According to matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) results, five fluorescent photoproducts emitting at 652 nm have been attributed to three mono‐, one di‐ and one tri‐hydroxy derivatives (ml z 697, 713 and 729, respectively). Fluorescence characteristics of mono‐hydroxy forms were found to be similar to those of m‐THPC, whereas fluorescence yields in di‐and tri‐hydroxy derivatives were very low. Another product, corresponding to a MALDI‐TOF MS main signal at m/z 542, showed an absorption spectrum maximum at 322 nm while a weak fluorescence was detected at 480 nm. The loss of the Soret band suggests that this photoproduct results from the opening of the reduced pyrrole ring. The part played by each of these products in the photobleaching phenomenon of m‐THPC is discussed.