RESUMEN
The results of a laser picosecond microspectrofluorometric study of the spectral and kinetic characteristics of haematoporphyrin (Hp) fluorescence at various sites in cultured SPEV cells and phosphatidylcholine liposomes are presented. The computer-controlled detection system is based on the single-photon counting method with picosecond time resolution. In aqueous medium, the Hp fluorescence spectrum is characterized by two bands at 615 and 675 nm. In living cells and liposomes, Hp fluorescence is red shifted to 630 and 690 nm. In addition a new band at 665 nm is detected. The dependence of this band on the incubation time and Hp concentration was investigated. The fluorescence decay kinetics of Hp in a culture medium, liposome and a cell nuclear membrane were measured. Possible Hp aggregate formation in the lipid bilayer and its implications are discussed.