Porphyrin-sensitized photoinactivation of human cells in vitro.

NHIK 3025 cells derived from a carcinoma in situ were exposed to hematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) and light and examined by light microscopy, freeze-etching, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The first morphologic changes observed were shrinkage of mitochondria and formation of vesicles on the cell membrane. Furthermore, increased membrane permeability led to accumulation of Hpd and cellular swelling, with a concomitant reduction in the number and size of the microvilli. Some of the vesicles seemed to originate from microvilli. The freeze-etching appearance of the membranes of the majority of the cells was unaltered by treatment with Hpd and light. However, in some cases clustering of membrane particles was observed. At low doses membrane vesiculation and cell swelling were reversed within a few hours after treatment, indicating that repair processes were operative.