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Ultraviolet light induces increased circulating interleukin-6 in humans.
A Urbanski1, T Schwarz, P Neuner
1Department of Dermatology II, University of Vienna, Austria.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Acute ultraviolet (UV) light exposure triggers systemic sunburn reactions. This study shows UV light increases interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the blood, mediating fever and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Clinical effects of acute UV exposure, including inflammation and fever, are known but poorly understood.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in fever and acute phase responses.
- Keratinocytes produce IL-6, and UV light enhances its release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a single UV dose on IL-6 production in vivo.
- To determine if UV-induced IL-6 contributes to systemic sunburn reactions.
Main Methods:
- Human subjects received a single UV dose causing sunburn.
- Plasma IL-6 activity was measured using an IL-6-dependent hybridoma cell line (B9).
- IL-6 molecular weight was assessed using HPLC gel filtration.
Main Results:
- Plasma IL-6 levels significantly increased 12 hours post-UV irradiation.
- IL-6 activity was confirmed by neutralization with anti-IL-6 antiserum.
- Elevated plasma IL-6 correlated with fever and increased C-reactive protein.
Conclusions:
- UV exposure leads to IL-6 release from keratinocytes into circulation.
- IL-6 acts as a mediator of systemic sunburn reactions by inducing fever and acute phase responses.