Epidermal changes in human skin following irradiation with either UVB or UVA

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · J. Invest. Dermatol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/1523-1747.ep12465094· OSTI ID:7083264

Pearse, A D; Gaskell, S A; Marks, R

We have demonstrated previously that following UVB irradiation to normal volunteers there is an increase in epidermal and stratum corneum thickness and an increase in the thymidine autoradiographic labeling index. These changes are coupled with alterations in epidermal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and succinic dehydrogenase activities, despite the absence of erythema clinically. The use of a sunscreen did not completely prevent these changes. In this study, we have examined the effects of repeated irradiation of human skin with either UVB or UVA alone in order to compare the changes produced in the epidermis and to ascertain whether UVA irradiation could cause these. Irradiation with either UVB or UVA alone was found to increase the mean epidermal thickness, the mean stratum corneum thickness, and mean keratinocyte height significantly. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was significantly increased throughout the epidermis, and succinic dehydrogenase activity was significantly decreased. The autoradiographic labeling index was significantly increased following UVB irradiation but not following UVA irradiation. These results demonstrate that UVA alone can have a direct effect on epidermal morphology and metabolism, suggesting that protection of skin from UV radiation should include adequate protection from UVA.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff
• OSTI ID: 7083264
• Journal Information: J. Invest. Dermatol.; (United States), Vol. 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
EPIDERMIS
THICKNESS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
ENZYME ACTIVITY
SKIN
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DNA REPLICATION
MAN
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
DIMENSIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENZYMES
EPITHELIUM
MAMMALS
NUCLEIC ACID REPLICATION
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
TISSUES
VERTEBRATES
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man