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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Melanocyte-stimulating properties of arachidonic acid metabolites: possible role in postinflammatory pigmentation
1Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
Abstract:
Normal human epidermal melanocytes became swollen and more dendritic with an increase in the amount of tyrosinase and immunoreactive b-locus protein when they were cultured for 2 days with the following arachidonic acid metabolites: prostaglandin (PG) D2, leukotriene (LT) B4, LTC4, LTD4, LTE4, thromboxane (TX) B2 and 12-hydroxy eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). The effect of LTC4 was particularly strong compared to that of PGE2, about which we have previously reported. On the other hand, PGE1, PGF2 alpha and 6-ketoPGF1 alpha did not show any significant stimulatory effect. These data suggest that arachidonate-derived chemical mediators, especially LTC4, may be responsible for the induction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the skin.
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