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Riboflavin as a Source of Autofluorescence in Eisenia fetida Coelomocytes
Author(s) -
Koziol Beata,
Markowicz Magdalena,
Kruk Jerzy,
Plytycz Barbara
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
photochemistry and photobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.818
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1751-1097
pISSN - 0031-8655
DOI - 10.1562/2005-11-23-ra-738
Subject(s) - autofluorescence , eisenia fetida , flavin adenine dinucleotide , fluorescence , fluorophore , riboflavin , chemistry , flavin group , flavin mononucleotide , earthworm , biochemistry , fluorescence microscope , biophysics , biology , enzyme , paleontology , physics , quantum mechanics , cofactor
Immunocompetent cells of earthworms (coelomocytes) contain adherent amoebocytes and large eleocytes (chloragocytes); the latter are filled with numerous granules. We have previously shown that eleocytes of several (but not all) earthworm species exhibit strong autofluorescence detectable by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. In the present article, the molecular origin of eleocytes autofluorescence was elucidated in coelomocytes expelled via dorsal pores in the integument of Eisenia fetida subjected to electric shock (1 min at 4.5 V). Spectrofluorometry (excitation and emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime), together with HPLC analysis of coelomocyte suspensions and supernatants, indicated that riboflavin but not FMN (flavin mononucleotide) or FAD (flavin‐adenine dinucleotide) is the main fluorophore responsible for eleocyte fluorescence in this species. Additionally, lipofuscins are suspected to participate in this phenomenon.