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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Interleukin 11 reduces apoptosis in UVB-irradiated mouse skin
I A Scordi1, M Nassiri, A J Hanly
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
Background:
UVB radiation, the major cause of skin cancer, causes apoptosis in the skin, characterized by the appearance of 'sunburn cells'. Interleukin 11 (IL-11) has been shown to protect cells in the gastrointestinal system from chemotherapy and radiation-induced death.
Objective:
To determine whether exogenous IL-11 has any effect on the UVB-induced apoptosis of cutaneous tissues.
Methods:
Mice were injected with IL-11 or vehicle control prior to irradiation, and TUNEL assays were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections at various times after irradiation.
Results:
Exogenous IL-11 protects epidermal keratinocytes, epithelial cells of the hair follicles inflammatory cells and fibroblasts in the dermis from UVB-induced apoptotic death.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that IL-11 may play a role in the general homeostasis of the skin.
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