What are the Mechanisms Behind Phototoxic Reactions?
Phototoxic reactions involve a series of biochemical events initiated by the absorption of light by a photosensitizer. This absorption leads to the excitation of the molecule to a higher energy state. The molecule can then transfer energy to oxygen molecules, generating ROS such as singlet oxygen and free radicals. These ROS are highly reactive and can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately resulting in cell injury or death. The mechanism of phototoxicity is primarily non-immunological and does not involve antibody formation.
