ABSTRACT
Psoralens are a group of photoactive compounds that absorb photons resulting in photochemical reactions and through this process alter the structure and function of cells and tissues. The ‘‘dark’’ effects of psoralens are minimal and it is only through photosensitization that they produce pharmacological effects. Much is known about the properties of psoralens and the waveband, UVA (320 to 400 nm) radiation, that activates them, but relatively little is known about how the psoralen/UVA interaction influences the function of cells.
