Action spectra of topical psoralens: a re-evaluation

The action spectra for producing minimal phototoxic erythema with topical 0.I% trimethyl psoralen (TMP) and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) were determined with a double monochromator in the range of 295-380 nm. both psoralens induced photosensitivity in the range of 313-365 nm; TMP was 54% more effective than 8-MOP. There was no difference in the dose needed to produce minimal UV erythema or phototoxic erythema with 8-MOP and TMP at 295 and 305 nm, but at 313 nm with 8-MOP, photosensitivity was enhanced 3.5 times, and with TMP, sensitivity was enhanced 5.5 times. The peak sensitivity with 8-MOP was at 330 nm and for TMP it was 335 nm. No photosensitivity occurred above 380 nm. Results suggest that TMP and 8-MOP are significantly photoreactive at 320-335 nm. Commonly used UV-A light sources show peak emission around 360 nm. If there is a relationship between development of erythema and therapeutic effectiveness than this raises the possibility of alternative UV light sources for phototherapy with psoralens.