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Human larynx carcinoma cells (HEp2) were sensitized with different concentrations of Hematoporphyrin and irradiated with a He-Ne laser at different fluences. The degree of PDT-effects were estimated by two parameters: a) macromolecular synthesis and b) observations using electron microscopy. All experiments were evaluated after 68 hr at 37 degrees C. The results showed that PDT exposure of HEp2 cells is characterized by: 1) inhibition of macromolecular synthesis and 2) different cellular and subcellular lesions. Summing up, these studies indicate the existence of a strong correlation between different PDT exposures and the degree of biochemical and ultrastructural changes in human larynx carcinoma cells in vitro.

By using a battery of poliovirus neutralizing monoclonal antibodies received from the Pasteur Institute, Paris, we carried out the study of the patterns of neutralization epitopes of more than 300 poliovirus strains isolated from cases of acute spinal paralysis and from healthy vaccinated children. We tried to find out the utility of this test for establishing the origin (wild or Sabin) of a poliovirus strain and the possible evolution of the pattern of neutralization epitopes. The study of the neutralization epitopes was carried out by neutralization index assay (NI). The neutralization index represents the difference between the titers of poliovirus strain determined in parallel in the absence, as well as in the presence of constant concentration (predetermined) for each monoclonal antibody. An epitope was considered to be present for a NI > or = 2 and absent for a NI < or = 1.5. For types 1 and 3 polioviruses, Sabin-like epitopes have never been found to be present simultaneously with wild type epitopes on the same virus particle. Therefore, examination of the epitope pattern of these strains is very useful for intratypic differentiation. On the other hand, in type 2 poliovirus strains, Sabin and wild type epitopes sometimes coexist, in various combinations, thus rendering the interpretation of the results rather difficult.

He--Ne laser irradiation for 1-45 J/cm2 has four actions upon monkey kidney cell cultures: a) a stimulation of nuclear DNA synthesis after 20 J/cm2; b) a diminution of replication after higher dose (45 J/cm2); c) inhibition of nuclear DNA synthesis and d) a marked cytotoxic effect. At lower radiation fluences (1-5 J/cm2) the influence on the biosynthesis of DNA is not significant.

Effects of pulsed near-ultraviolet laser beam on structural characteristics and macromolecular synthesis of carcinoma HEp2 cells were investigated. Laser irradiation damage induced in these eukaryotic cells could be characterized by two development stages: a) a reversible stage with minor morphological damages (1.5 kJ/m2) and 2) an irreversible one, at higher fluences, characterized by cellular membrane damage, necrobiosis and cells detachment from the substrate (4.5 kJ/m2). A. Studies performed referring to macromolecular syntheses of low laser fluences (1.5 kJ/m2)--irradiated HEp2 cells showed the following aspects: a) syntheses inhibiton phase in the first cycles of cellular replication and b) syntheses stimulation phases in the following cycle with total repair of laser-induced molecular lesions. B. At high laser fluences (3-4.5 kJ/m2), metabolic lesions repair was partially or totally blocked after prolonged culturing at 37 degrees C. Ths paper suggests some mechanisms of laser action on macromolecular synthesis and correlates them with morphological changes induced by laser exposure of carcinoma cells.