Spectral character of sunlight modulates photosynthesis of previtamin D3 and its photoisomers in human skin

Journal Article · Fri May 28 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6281884· OSTI ID:7056507

MacLaughlin, J A; Anderson, R R; Holick, M F

The photosynthesis of previtamin D3 from 7-dehydrocholesterol in human skin was determined after exposure to narrow-band radiation or simulated solar radiation. The optimum wavelengths for the production of previtamin D3 were determined to be between 295 and 300 nanometers. When human skin was exposed to 295-nanometer radiation, up to 65 percent of the original 7-dehydrocholesterol content was converted to previtamin D3. In comparison, when adjacent skin was exposed to simulated solar radiation, the maximum formation of previtamin D3 was about 20 percent. Major differences in the formation of lumisterol3, and tachysterol3 from previtamin D3 were also observed. It is concluded that the spectral character of natural sunlight has a profound effect on the photochemistry of 7-dehydrocholesterol in human skin.

• Research Organization: Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
• OSTI ID: 7056507
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 216:4549; ISSN SCIEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550200* -- Biochemistry
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
BIOCHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
BODY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
KINETICS
MAMMALS
MAN
ORGANS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PRIMATES
RADIATIONS
REACTION KINETICS
SKIN
SYNTHESIS
VERTEBRATES
VISIBLE RADIATION
VITAMIN D
VITAMINS