Zinc import mediated by AdcABC is critical for colonization of the dental biofilm by Streptococcus mutans in an animal model.

Trace metals are essential to all domains of life but toxic when found at high concentrations. Although the importance of iron in host-pathogen interactions is firmly established, contemporary studies indicate that other trace metals, including manganese and zinc, are also critical to the infectious process. In this study, we sought to identify and characterize the zinc uptake system(s) of Streptococcus mutans, a keystone pathogen in dental caries and a causative agent of bacterial endocarditis. Different than other pathogenic bacteria, including several streptococci, that encode multiple zinc import systems, bioinformatic analysis indicated that the S. mutans core genome encodes a single, highly conserved, zinc importer commonly known as AdcABC. Inactivation of the genes coding for the metal-binding AdcA (ΔadcA) or both AdcC ATPase and AdcB permease (ΔadcCB) severely impaired the ability of S. mutans to grow under zinc-depleted conditions. Intracellular metal quantifications revealed that both mutants accumulated less zinc when grown in the presence of a subinhibitory concentration of a zinc-specific chelator. Notably, the ΔadcCB strain displayed a severe colonization defect in a rat oral infection model. Both Δadc strains were hypersensitive to high concentrations of manganese, showed reduced peroxide tolerance, and formed less biofilm in sucrose-containing media when cultivated in the presence of the lowest amount of zinc that support their growth, but not when zinc was supplied in excess. Collectively, this study identifies AdcABC as the major high affinity zinc importer of S. mutans and provides preliminary evidence that zinc is a growth-limiting factor within the dental biofilm.

Inactivation of indispensable bacterial proteins by early proteins of bacteriophages: implication in antibacterial drug discovery.

Bacteriophages utilize host bacterial cellular machineries for their own reproduction and completion of life cycles. The early proteins that phage synthesize immediately after the entry of their genomes into bacterial cells participate in inhibiting host macromolecular biosynthesis, initiating phage-specific replication and synthesizing late proteins. Inhibition of synthesis of host macromolecules that eventually leads to cell death is generally performed by the physical and/or chemical modification of indispensable host proteins by early proteins. Interestingly, most modified bacterial proteins were shown to take part actively in phage-specific transcription and replication. Research on phages in last nine decades has demonstrated such lethal early proteins that interact with or chemically modify indispensable host proteins. Among the host proteins inhibited by lethal phage proteins, several are not inhibited by any chemical inhibitor available today. Under the context of widespread dissemination of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria in recent years, the information of lethal phage proteins and cognate host proteins could be extremely invaluable as they may lead to the identification of novel antibacterial compounds. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about some early phage proteins, their cognate host proteins and their mechanism of action and also describe how the above interacting proteins had been exploited in antibacterial drug discovery.

Regulation of the rat liver sodium-dependent bile acid cotransporter gene by prolactin. Mediation of transcriptional activation by Stat5.

The intracellular mechanism(s) underlying the upregulation of the hepatic Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (ntcp) by prolactin (PRL) are unknown. In this report, we demonstrate a time-dependent increase in nuclear translocation of phosphorylated liver Stat5 (a member of the ignal ransducers and ctivators of ranscription family) that correlated with suckling-induced increases in serum PRL levels. In electrophoretic mobility gel shift assays, nuclear Stat5 exhibited specific DNA-binding ability towards IFN-gamma-activated sequence (GAS)-like elements (GLEs; 5'TTC/A-PyNPu-G/TAA-3') located in the -937 to -904 bp region of the ntcp promoter. Transient cotransfections in HepG2 cells revealed that PRL inducibility (2.5-3-fold) required coexpression of the long form of the PRL receptor (PRLRL) and Stat5. Deletion analysis mapped the PRLinducible region to -1237 to -758 bp of the ntcp promoter. Linking this 0.5-kb region to a heterologous thymidine kinase (tk) promoter, or linking multimerized ntcp GLEs either upstream of the ntcp minimal promoter (-158 to +47 bp) or the heterologous promoter conferred dose-dependent PRL responsiveness. The short form of the PRL receptor failed to transactivate ntcp GLEs. These results indicate that PRL acts via the PRLRL to facilitate Stat5 binding to ntcp-GLEs and to transcriptionally regulate ntcp.

PRL, placental lactogen, and GH induce NA(+)/taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide gene expression by activating signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 in liver cells.

We investigated the transcriptional regulation of the Na(+)/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide gene by PRL, placental lactogen, and GH. In primary hepatocytes, ovine PRL induced a dose-dependent phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-5a and -5b, but not -1 or -3, whereas mouse placental lactogen I and rat GH activated -5a, -5b, and -1. In EMSAs, ovine PRL, mouse placental lactogen I, and rat GH increased the specific DNA binding of nuclear signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 to its consensus element in both transfected HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes. PRL, placental lactogen I, and GH also increased Na(+)/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide mRNA expression in hepatocytes from control and pregnant (mouse placental lactogen I) rats. Genistein, a phosphotyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited PRL-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 activation and Na(+)/taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide mRNA. In HepG2 cells transiently cotransfected with either the long form of the rat PRL receptor or rat GH receptor, signal transducer and activator of transcription-5a and a -5-responsive luciferase expression vector containing the Na(+)/taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide promoter, mouse placental lactogen I, like ovine PRL, activated -5a via the long form of the rat PRL receptor; whereas rat GH activated -5a via rat GH receptor, leading to transactivation of the Na(+)/taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide promoter. These data establish that PRL and placental lactogen I induce Na(+)/taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide gene expression via signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 proteins in liver, and indicate that these hormones play an important role in regulating liver metabolic function.

Hepatic clearance and biliary secretory rate maximum of taurocholate in the recirculating and single pass isolated perfused rat liver. Effects of the cholestatic agent, estradiol-17 beta-(beta-D-glucuronide).

The ability of the cholestatic steroid glucuronide, estradiol-17 beta-(beta-D-glucuronide) (E(2)17G), to inhibit the hepatic clearance (ClH) and biliary secretory rate maximum (SRm) of taurocholate was investigated in the recirculating and single pass isolated perfused male rat liver. In the recirculating perfused liver, E(2)17G (0, 2, 4, or 6 mumol) was added as a bolus dose to the reservoir at zero time while taurocholate was infused into the portal vein in increasing amounts (15, 30, 45, or 60 mumol/mL; 1 mL/hr for 15 min each). E(2)17G (4 mumol) caused a significant (P less than 0.05) inhibition of bile flow and bile acid secretion at 10-15 min during infusion of 15 mumol/hr taurocholate but did not inhibit the SRm which occurred at 42 min, indicating that E(2)17G had not caused an irreversible inhibition of taurocholate transport. E(2)17G (6 mumol) caused a profound and irreversible inhibition of bile flow attributable to retention of E(2)17G in the liver. The noncholestatic estradiol-3-(beta-D-glucuronide) (E(2)3G; 6 mumol) had no significant effect on bile flow or the SRm. In the single pass perfused liver (10 mL/min flow rate), E(2)17G (0, 1, 2, 5, or 10 nmol/mL) or E(2)3G (2 nmol/mL) was added to the perfusate resulting in a stable infusion to the liver. [3H]Taurocholate was infused into the portal vein in increasing amounts to give inflow concentrations (Cin) of 25, 50, 75 or 100 nmol/mL. In the absence of E(2)17G, taurocholate ClH decreased from 0.92 to 0.70 mL/min/g liver with increasing taurocholate concentrations. Neither E(2)17G nor E(2)3G altered the ClH of 25 nmol/mL taurocholate. E(2)17G (10 nmol/mL) inhibited bile flow and bile acid secretion first at 20-25 min, followed by inhibition of ClH of 75 and 100 nmol/mL taurocholate (35-60 min). In contrast, E(2)3G stimulated bile acid secretion and increased the SRm by 80%. Thus, at doses that did not block its own elimination, E(2)17G did not cause an irreversible inhibition of taurocholate transport into bile. E(2)17G did not directly inhibit the uptake of taurocholate into the liver but first inhibited the biliary excretion of taurocholate, resulting in its intrahepatic accumulation and decreased clearance from the perfusate.

Caucasian family with two independent mutations: 2594delC in BRCA1 and 5392delAG in BRCA2 gene.

Germline mutations in two breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, predispose individuals to early onset breast and ovarian cancer. The frequency of mutations in these genes in the general population is very low. Therefore, the prior probability of finding any family with mutations in both genes is even lower. This study reports the presence of two mutations, one in BRCA1 and a second in BRCA2, in a single family with variable expression. The BRCA1 mutation, 2594delC, was identified first in the proband. Analysis on a related family member with early onset bilateral breast cancer for the same mutation was negative. Further analysis on the same individual led to the identification of a second germline mutation, 5392delAG in BRCA2 gene in this family. Without the knowledge of the second mutation in this family, many asymptomatic individuals would have been given a negative test result and be falsely reassured. Further analysis reveals differential expression of the two mutations. The spectrum of cancers as well as the age of onset is variable between the mutations and the generations. Finally, the study exemplifies the fact that molecular analysis of a genetically heterogeneous disease can be very complex and requires a team effort of the patients and their family members, genetic counselors or referring physicians as well as the personnel from the testing laboratory.

A cell-free assay using cytoplasmic cell extracts to study rejoining of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks in human cell nuclei.

We describe a cell-free assay that can be employed to study rejoining of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (dsbs) under in vitro conditions. The assay uses nuclei prepared from irradiated, agarose-embedded human A549 cells as substrate and cytoplasmic cell extracts prepared from exponentially growing HeLa cells as the source of enzymes. We demonstrate that rejoining of dsbs is absolutely dependent on cell extract and that, under optimal reaction conditions, it proceeds to an extent similar to that observed in intact cells, albeit with about six times longer half time. Dsb rejoining in this assay requires Mg2+ and is inhibited by high concentrations of either K+ or Na+. The assay should provide means for the biochemical characterization of the enzymology of eukaryotic cell DNA repair under conditions that retain chromatin structure. The assay can also be adapted to study repair of other types of damage induced in the DNA by ionizing or non-ionizing radiations, as well as by diverse chemical agents.

In vitro rejoining of double-strand breaks in cellular DNA by factors present in extracts of HeLa cells.

We described previously a cell-free assay, that could be employed to study the rejoining of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (dsb) in agarose embedded nuclei by activities present in an extract prepared from exponentially growing HeLa cells. Here, we extend the study and present an in vitro assay for rejoining of radiation-induced DNA dsb that employs 'naked' DNA prepared from agarose-embedded cells as a substrate and extract of HeLa cells as an enzyme source. There is no detectable residual protein on substrate DNA after extensive lysis with ionic detergents and treatment with proteases, as determined by SDS-PAGE and silver staining. We demonstrate that rejoining of dsb is absolutely dependent on cell extract and that, under optimal reaction conditions, it proceeds to an extent and with kinetics similar to those observed in intact cells. Dsb rejoining in this assay requires Mg 2+ and is inhibited by high concentrations of either K+ or Na+. This assay complements the nuclei assay for DNA dsb repair previously developed, and may be preferable to the latter in the purification of factors involved in DNA dsb repair, as it employs as substrate DNA deprived of proteins.

Changes in uterine phosphatase levels in mice treated with aristolic acid during early pregnancy.

Aristolic acid (AA) exerted interceptive activity in mice. A single oral dose of aristolic acid at the dose levels of 120 and 90 mg/kg on Day 1 or Day 6 of pregnancy in mouse resulted in a rise of acid phosphatase (AP) and fall of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and protein in uterus in both groups. Both delta 5-3 beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSD) and glucose 6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) of ovaries remained unaltered. Exogenous progesterone (1 mg s.c., Days 5-8) administered along with aristolic acid (on Day 6 only) could neither protect pregnancy nor prevent the biochemical changes produced in the uterus due to drug treatment. This unaltered steroidogenesis and alteration in alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and protein gives some insight into the mechanism of action of the compound aristolic acid.

Reduced 5-hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase activity in Werner's syndrome cells.

Werner's syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disease marked by early symptoms of accelerated aging. There is evidence indicating accumulation of oxidized DNA bases to be a major factor in cellular aging. The first step of excision repair of such bases in human cells is their removal from DNA by glycosylases. 5-Hydroxymethyluracil (HMU)-DNA glycosylase excises HMU from DNA; another glycosylase removes many non-aromatic pyrimidine derivatives. Levels of glycosylases that excise oxidized pyrimidines from DNA were compared between confluent and proliferating populations of WS cells, age-matched controls, and young control cells. They were assayed by measurements of direct release of free bases from their respective DNA substrates. Specific activities of the glycosylase that releases various modified pyrimidines and of uracil-DNA glycosylase (which removes uracil from DNA) were essentially the same in all cell lines. Cell cycle variations of these enzymes also did not differ between WS and control cells. HMU-DNA glycosylase specific activity was reduced in WS cells. Reduction of HMU-DNA glycosylase has been described in senescent human WI-38 cells. Therefore, while neither WS nor senescent cells have overall deficiencies of DNA glycosylase activities, they both might have reduced excision of HMU from DNA. This indicates a possible role of HMU accumulation in the aging process.

Inhibition of DNA polymerase activity by thymine hydrates.

Ultraviolet irradiation of DNA results in various pyrimidine modifications. We have demonstrated formation of both cis-thymine hydrate and trans-thymine hydrate (6-hydroxy-5,6-dihydrothymine) in UV-irradiated poly(dA-dT):poly(dA-dT). Both are released from DNA as free bases by bacterial and human glycosylases. Thymine hydrates are stable in DNA and can be detected in control, unirradiated substrates. We examined the effects of thymine hydrates in UV-irradiated substrate poly(dA-dT):poly(dA-dT) on E. coli DNA polymerase I activity. Enzymic incorporation of labeled thymidine-5'-monophosphate significantly decreased with increasing UV dose. Reversal of DNA thymine hydrates to thymines by mild heating of the substrate prior to enzymic reaction resulted in partial recovery of nucleotide incorporation. Cyclobutane thymine dimers are formed between non-adjacent thymines in UV-irradiated poly(dA-dT):poly(dA-dT). These are responsible for the incomplete recovery of DNA polymerase activity following heating due to their heat stability. Analyses of the irradiated and hydrolyzed substrate also demonstrated formation of minor yields of photoproducts formed by covalent linkage of adjacent thymines and adenines by UV-irradiation. Therefore, the thymine hydrates formed in UV-irradiated DNA partially inhibit polymerase activity during DNA synthesis and thus could be potentially lethal if unrepaired.

Glycosylases that excise modified DNA pyrimidines in young and senescent human WI-38 fibroblasts.

Cellular DNA is continuously subject to damages by both endogenous and exogenous oxidizing agents. Excision repair in human cells is initiated by DNA glycosylases which remove oxidized bases from DNA. 5-Hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase excises 5-hydroxymethyluracil from DNA. A different enzyme has glycosylic activity against many ring-saturated DNA pyrimidines. Levels of these enzymes were examined in WI-38 fibroblasts of different culture ages. All glycosylases were assayed by measurements of direct release of modified free bases from their respective DNA substrates. Levels of 5-hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase were reduced in aging cells. Specific activities of the glycosylase that releases ring-saturated pyrimidines and of uracil-DNA glycosylase were not substantially altered in senescent cells. Therefore, although aging cells might have reduced excision of DNA 5-hydroxymethyluracil, there is no overall age-dependent decrease of DNA glycosylase activities.

Differential cell cycle modulation of human DNA glycosylases against oxidized pyrimidines.

Cellular DNA is continuously subject to damages by both endogenous and exogenous oxidizing agents. Excision repair of oxidized bases in human cells is initiated by DNA glycosylases which remove them from DNA. 5-Hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase excises 5-hydroxymethyluracil from DNA. A different enzyme, termed a redoxyendonuclease, has glycosylase activity against many modified DNA pyrimidines. The regulation of these enzymes in proliferating human cells was examined. Both glycosylases were assayed in serum-stimulated WI-38 cells by measurements of direct release of modified free bases from their respective DNA substrates. There was no significant variation of 5-hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase activity during the cell cycle. However, the glycosylic activity of the redoxyendonuclease was stimulated with DNA synthesis. This activity again increased at the beginning of a second cell cycle. Therefore, the glycosylases that initiate excision repair of oxidized DNA are subject to different controls during the cell cycle.

Disruption of pregnancy in mouse by aristolic acid: I. Plausible explanation in relation to early pregnancy events.

Aristolic acid (AA), obtained from Aristolochia indica Linn, disrupted nidation in mice when administered on Day 1 of pregnancy. The implantation inhibiting effect of the compound was assessed with respect to certain parameters which are characteristics of early pregnancy, such as tubal transport of ova into the uterus, hyperpermeability of the endometrial capillaries, increase in uterine weight and total protein content, endometrial bed preparation and changes in uterine phosphatase enzymes during Days 4-6 of pregnancy. The compound did not affect tubal transport of eggs, but the uterine blue reaction, caused by extravasation of the dye, pontamine blue, at future implantation sites was inhibited significantly in treated mice. Histological picture of the uterus revealed AA-induced impairment of development (i.e. decidualization) and reconciled with decreases found in uterine weight and its total protein contents in treated animals. In control untreated mice, specific uterine alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased significantly from Days 4 through 6 of pregnancy, but this was prevented in treated mice. On the other hand, specific uterine acid phosphatase (AP) activity was high on Day 5, while in treated mice uterine AP activity remained low during Days 4 and 5 and increased significantly thereafter. It was inferred that AA interferes with steroidal conditioning of the uterus and renders it hostile to ovum implantation.

Genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility: frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility became a reality after two cancer predisposition genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, were identified. Mutations in these two genes were predicted to account for 85% to 90% of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. We present results of mutation analysis of the coding sequence of these two genes in 110 consecutive non-Jewish breast cancer patients with a positive family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. The individuals were identified in various cancer risk evaluation centers in the country. Twenty-two (20%) mutations in the BRCA1 gene and 8 mutations (7%) in the BRCA2 gene were detected. We also analyzed 52 Ashkenazi Jewish breast cancer patients for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Eleven Jewish individuals (21%) carried either one of the two common mutations, 185delAG and 5382InsC, in the BRCA1 gene and 4 individuals (8%) had the 6174delT mutation in the BRCA2 gene. The frequency of mutations in BRCA genes in affected people in this ethnic group was not significantly different from the non-Jewish population. On further analysis, the data demonstrate that neither age of onset nor phenotype of the disease had any significant predictive value for the frequency of mutations in these genes. These data confirm the lower prevalence of mutations in either of the BRCA genes in clinical families when compared to high-risk families used for obtaining linkage data in a research setting.

Nature of non-radiative processes involved in the excited state of 9-cyanoanthracene in presence of 2-methylindole/2-methylindoline quenchers. A laser flash photolysis study to reveal the medium effects.

By using steady state and time-resolved (laser flash photolysis and single photon counting) spectroscopic techniques the quenching of the lowest excited singlet (S1) state of 9-cyanoanthracene (9CNA) by the donors (quenchers) 2-methylindole (2MI) and 2-methylindoline (2MIN) in solvents of different polarity has been studied. Both the transient absorption, by laser flash photolysis technique, and photobleaching measurements were made at the ambient temperature both in non-polar n-heptane (NH) and highly polar acetonitrile (ACN) solvents. The photobleaching efficiency (alpha) was found to depend significantly on the polarity of surrounding solvents and also on the molecular structures of the quenchers. In NH the values of alpha are found to be larger than the corresponding values observed in ACN for both 2MI and 2MIN which possess highly reactive H atom bound to the heterocyclic N atom. Following the results obtained from the transient absorption spectra of the present donor-acceptor molecules in the different polarity solvents, a scheme describing the overall reaction mechanisms of the different photoreactions involved has been proposed. The probable causes for the changes observed in the mechanisms of the photoreactions involved in the cases of 2MI and 2MIN donors have been discussed in the light of their canonical structures.

Electron transfer compatible molecular design of benzothiophene-acetophenone bichromophores: a theoretical approach.

Computational work has been done for a bichromophore (4MBA) comprising a donor 4-methoxy-benzo[b]thiophene (4MBT) and an acceptor molecule p-chloro-acetophenone (pclA) linked together by a HC=CH bond which shows large hyperpolarizability. The charge transfer in this bichromophoric system is computed by semiemperical theoretical calculation. Ground state and excited state dipole moment difference of the bichromophore 4MBA indicates a large electron transfer probability.

Synthesis and studies on spectroscopic as well as electron donating properties of the two alkoxy benzo[b]thiophenes.

Synthesis, characterization, steady state and time resolved, using time correlated single photon counting as well as laser flash photolysis techniques, spectroscopic investigations were made for two alkoxy benzo[b]thiophene molecules: 5-methoxy benzo[b]thiophene (5MBT) and 5-methoxymethyl benzo[b]thiophene (5MMBT). In both non-polar n-heptane (NH) and polar acetonitrile (ACN) solvents and at ambient temperature the electronic absorption spectra of these thiophenes exhibit different band systems whose assignments were made from the measurements of the steady state excitation polarization spectra. Steady state fluorescence spectra of these molecules in the different polarity solvents show the presence of non-specific interactions. From the redox properties of the benzothiophenes, measured by cyclic voltammetry, their electron donating properties were observed in the presence of the well-known electron acceptor 9cyanoanthracene (9CNA). Further, detailed studies by laser flash photolysis techniques show that ion-recombination mechanism predominates after the initial excitation of the acceptor moiety using the third harmonic of Nd:YAG laser. This recombination together with the external heavy atom effect (the donor containing 'sulphur' atom) appears to be responsible for the formation of the triplet of the monomeric acceptor 9CNA. From the steady state experiments it is shown that both in non-polar NH and highly polar ACN the quenching in the fluorescence emission of 9CNA in the presence of the benzothiophene donors is brought about primarily by the external heavy atom effect and in ACN, although the presence of the photoinduced ET reaction is confirmed, this process seems, from the observed bimolecular dynamic quenching rate, kq to be significantly masked by the external heavy atom effect.

Studies on unimolecular and bimolecular photoprocesses of a newly synthesized selenium compound, 7-chloro-2-phenyl-9H-[1]-benzopyrano[3,2-b]-selenophene-9-one (SeP).

Using steady state/time resolved spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques the spectroscopic and photophysical studies were made on a novel synthesized selenophene compound SeP in nonpolar methylcyclohexane (MCH), polar aprotic acetonitrile (ACN) and polar protic ethanol (EtOH) solvents at the ambient temperature as well as at 77 K. Both from the studies on unimolecular and bimolecular photoprocesses this selenophene compound was found to possess several electronic levels, 1Bb, 1La, 1Lb (all are of pi pi* nature and 1Lb is hidden within 1La band envelop like the characteristics of most of the acenes) and 1(nO pi*) state arising due to carbonyl oxygen atom. In polar ACN environment this nO pi* state disappears because it moves within the envelop of intense 1La band due to large destabilization. Large overlapping of different band systems within the 1La band of SeP was confirmed from the observed depolarization effect. The lack of phosphorescence of SeP both in MCH and EtOH rigid glassy matrix at 77 K has been inferred due to large vibronic interactions between closely lying triplets of the corresponding 1nO pi* and 1Lb states. From the bimolecular investigations, it reveals that SeP acts as a good electron donor in presence of the well known electron acceptor 9 cyanoanthracene (9CNA). Transient absorption spectra measured by laser flash photolysis technique demonstrate the formation of ion-pair when the acceptor is excited. From the analysis of the fluorescence quenching data it seemingly indicates that the major contribution in the diminution of the fluorescence intensity of the acceptor 9CNA in presence of SeP is not only due to the photoinduced electron transfer (ET) but also originates from static type (instantaneous) quenching processes along with external heavy atom effect. The possibility of occurrence of photoinduced ET reaction in Marcus inverted region is hinted.

Non-radiative depletion of the excited electronic states of 9-cyanoanthracene in presence of tetrahydronaphthols.

Both steady state and time resolved spectroscopic measurements reveal that the prime process involved in quenching mechanism of the lowest excited singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) states of the well known electron acceptor 9-Cyanoanthracene (9CNA) in presence of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthol (TH1N) or 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthol (TH2N) is H-bonding interaction. It has been confirmed that the fluorescence of 9CNA is not at all affected in presence of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-methoxy naphthalene (TH2MN) both in non-polar n-heptane (NH) and highly polar acetonitrile (ACN) media. This indicates that the H-bonding interaction is crucial for the occurrence of the quenching phenomenon observed in the present investigations with TH1N (or TH2N) donors and 9CNA acceptor. In ACN solvent both contact ion-pair (CIP) and solvent-separated (or dissociated) ions are formed due to intermolecular H-bonding interactions in the excited electronic states (both singlet and triplet). In NH environment due to stronger H-bonding interactions, the large proton shift within excited charge transfer (CT) or ion-pair complex, 1 or 3(D+-H...A-), causes the formation of the neutral radical, 3(D+H-A)*, due to the complete detachment of the H-atom. It is hinted that both TH1N and TH2N due to their excellent H-bonding ability could be used as antioxidants.