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Role of oxygen intermediates in UV-induced epidermal cell injury

K Danno, T Horio, M Takigawa

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
    |September 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Oxygen intermediates (OIs) play a key role in sunburn cell formation following UV radiation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) effectively reduced sunburn cell counts when administered shortly after UV exposure.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Photobiology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Sunburn cells (SC) are a hallmark of UV-induced skin damage.
    • The precise mechanisms of SC formation and UV-induced inflammation are not fully understood.
    • Oxygen intermediates (OIs) are implicated in various cellular processes, including UV damage.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of oxygen intermediates (OIs) in sunburn cell (SC) formation.
    • To determine the involvement of OIs in UV-induced inflammation (edema).

    Main Methods:

    • Mice were exposed to UV radiation (UVR) and treated with OI scavengers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, L-histidine, and D-mannitol.
    • Ear thickness was measured to assess UV-induced swelling (ear swelling response, ESR).
    • SC formation was quantified by counting SCs in hematoxylin-eosin stained ear sections.

    Main Results:

    • A single injection of SOD administered just before or within 15 minutes after UVR significantly reduced SC formation (p < 0.02).
    • SOD injections given more than 2 hours before or after UVR did not suppress SC formation.
    • Repeated SOD injections reduced SC counts but did not significantly affect ESR.
    • Other OI scavengers and inactivated SOD did not significantly suppress SC counts or ESR.
    • An SOD inactivator augmented SC formation (p < 0.05) but did not alter ESR.

    Conclusions:

    • Oxygen intermediates generated by UVR are involved in the formation of sunburn cells.
    • OIs do not appear to play a significant role in UV-induced edema.
    • The timing of antioxidant intervention is critical for mitigating UV-induced SC formation.

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