Fluorescence microscopic and histologic analysis of photosensitizer uptake in human atherosclerotic lesions

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using haematoporphyrin derivatives (HPD) activated by laser light is a well-established treatment modality for superficial tumours. PDT might therefore have a role in the prevention of restenosis in diseased human blood vessels following intraluminal therapy. This experiment addresses the possibility of using Photofrin in such a role and specifically addresses the preferential uptake of PHotofrin into atherosclerotic lesions.