Effect of C60(Oh)18on Membranes of Rat Liver Microsomes During Photosensitization

Abstract
We have examined the ability of a water-soluble derivative of fullerene C60, C60(OH)18, to induce alterations in rat liver microsomes during photosensitization. When it was exposed to UV (330-370 nm), it induced significant membrane damage in terms of (i) lipid peroxidation as assayed by various products and (ii) damage to proteins as assessed by protein carbonyls and loss of the membrane-bound enzymes. The damage induced was both time and concentration-dependent and seems to be predominantly due to radicals and to a lesser extent singlet oxygen.