Abstract
The photothermal effect is undergoing great interest due to advances in new photosensitizing materials and better-suited light sources, but studies are frequently hampered by the need to employ exogenous photothermal agents and expensive irradiation devices. Here we present a simple strategy based on direct NIR irradiation of the melanin pigment with a commercial 808-nm laser pointer. Proof-of-concept studies showed efficient photothermal effects on melanin in vitro and in vivo. After NIR irradiation, BALB/c mice bearing B16-F10 melanotic melanoma tumors revealed severe histopathological damage and massive necrosis in melanin-containing tumor tissue, while surrounding healthy tissues showed no damage. Therefore, the feasibility of this approach may allow implementing direct procedures for photothermal therapy of pigmented tumors.
Highlights
Pigmented people (Caucasians) have high incidence of skin melanoma [1,2]
The melanoma B16-F10 from C57BL/6 mice is rejected by the immune system when inoculated in mice of the histo-incompatible strain, BALB/c [7], because the histocompatibility antigen (H2) of C57BL/6 is H2b, but that of BALB/c is H2d [8,9]
We have recently reported that the pigment carbon black (CI: 77266) from China (Indian) ink is an efficient photothermal agent when injected to white mice tumors and irradiated with an 808nm laser [37]
Summary
Pigmented people (Caucasians) have high incidence of skin melanoma [1,2]. Experimental research in murine models involving melanotic cells is highly relevant to the biology and treatment of melanoma tumors in human patients. The murine melanoma B16, originated and growing in the C57BL/6 strain of black mice, is one of the most popular and extensively used tumor models in oncological research. It is known that murine cells and tissues from one strain are rejected by the immune system when inoculated in another strain (except in immunosuppressed mice). The melanoma B16-F10 from C57BL/6 mice is rejected by the immune system when inoculated in mice of the histo-incompatible strain, BALB/c [7], because the histocompatibility antigen (H2) of C57BL/6 is H2b, but that of BALB/c is H2d [8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call