Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing
Published on: May 28, 2013
Pentoxifylline attenuates UVB-induced cutaneous erythema
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA. mlowitt@umaryland.edu
Background:
The mechanism for ultraviolet-B (UVB)-associated cutaneous erythema may involve production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Pentoxifylline inhibits TNF-alpha production.
Objective:
To assess the effect of oral pentoxifylline on UVB-induced erythema in humans.
Methods:
Baseline minimum erythema doses (MEDs) for UVB were measured. Subjects received pentoxifylline 400 mg orally every 8 h for 4 doses. MED assays were repeated 2 h after the last dose of pentoxifylline. Pre- and posttreatment MED results were assessed by the paired t test.
Results:
Oral administration of pentoxifylline to 7 normal adults elevated the MED for UVB in all 7 individuals.
Conclusion:
Pentoxifylline may diminish the cutaneous sunburn response to UVB radiation when it is administered prior to ultraviolet exposure.
Related Concept Videos
UV–Vis Spectroscopy of Conjugated Systems
One of the factors influencing λmax is the extent of conjugation in the...
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Acne Infection

