ArticleAgius L, Jaccarini V, Ballantine JA, Ferrito V, Pelter A, Psaila AF, Zammit VA.
Comp Biochem Physiol B. 1979;63(1):109-17.
1. The photodynamic activity of bonellin, an integumentary chlorin of Bonellia viridis, is investigated. 2. 10(-6) M bonellin solutions haemolyze erythrocytes only in the presence of light. Previous illumination (tungsten lamp 2000-4000 lux for 1 hr) of the bonellin solutions does not affect the results. Under lowered oxygen tensions the bioactivity is depressed. Benzoquinone and singlet oxygen quenchers delay the photodynamic effect. 3. Bonellin (2 x 10(-6) M) destroys echinoid gamete function, depresses oxygen uptake of spermatozoa, and arrests development of echinoid and Bonellia eggs. These effects are produced only in the presence of light. 4. Copper bonellin is not photodynamically active. The role of copper may be to protect against photosensitization.