Abstract
Fluorescence misroscopy and light microscopy were performed to investigate the affinity of photofrin II for atherosclerotic lesions and the effect of photofrin II in atherosclerotic rabbits aortas when vessels were dissected and submitted to laser radiation. Atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits were induced by 2%cholesterol diet and damage by Fogarty balloon catheter. Atherosclerotic rabbits were divided into two groups. Group P comprised atherosclerotic rabbits given photofrin II (5mg/kg) intravenously 24 hours before sacrifice. Group C comprised atherosclerotic rabbits that were not given photofrin II. Laser radiation was delivered with Argon Laser for 20 seconds (output 514.5nm) and the power was 500mW, 700mW, and 900mW. The photoradiated sites were sectioned and stained with Hematoxylin Eosin for light microscopy. Atherosclerotic lesions were frozen quickly and sectioned for fluorescence microscopy. Photofrin II was selectively localized within the intima of atherosclerotic arteries, and in Group P atherosclerotic lesions were vaporized by lower energy level than in Group C. This localization may sensitize atheroma to Argon Laser.
