The role of urocanic acid in UV-induced immunosuppression: recent advances (1992-1994)
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M Norval1, N K Gibbs, J Gilmour
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh Medical School, UK.
Photochemistry and Photobiology
|August 1, 1995
Abstract:
Cis-urocanic acid (UCA), formed in the epidermis by UV irradiation of trans-UCA, has been implicated as a mediator of the immunosuppression induced by UV exposure of the skin. This review covers recent work in which the wavelength dependence of cis-UCA formation, the interaction of UCA isomers with DNA, the effects of UCA isomers on the immune system and their interaction with histamine are examined. Results are frequently conflicting, particularly when considering the possible mode of action of cis-UCA but, overall, a multifaceted role for UCA in immunomodulation by UV radiation is substantiated.