Photodynamic action of hypocrellin A on hepatoma cell mitochondria and microsomes

Hypocrellin A (HA), a perylene quinone derivative, is a new photosensitizer extracted from Hypocrella bambusae (B et Br) Sace. A high voltage sodium lamp was used as the light source; the illumination intensity was 105 mW/cm2. After HA 25 micrograms/ml and illumination for 10 min, mitochondrial ATPase and microsomal G-6-Pase of hepatoma cells were intensively inhibited, but mitochondrial MAO was not affected. Sulfhydryl contents of the mitochondrial and microsomal membrane proteins were significantly reduced. Lipid peroxidation of mitochondrial and microsomal membrane lipids were greatly enhanced. It is concluded that mitochondria and microsomes are the sensitive targets in cells with respect to HA photosensitization.