Cutaneous cell and extracellular matrix responses to ultraviolet-B irradiation

The present study examined fibroblasts and keratinocytes in monolayers and cultured within dermal and skin substitutes and their use in assessing the effect of UVB irradiation on cutaneous cells and extracellular matrix organization. Dermal substitutes (DS) were produced by incorporating normal fibroblasts into a collagen lattice and skin substitutes (SS) were obtained by seeding normal keratinocytes onto the DS. Keratinocyte monolayers, fibroblast monolayers, DS, and SS were exposed once a day to a UVB source (10 mJ/cm2). The irradiation protocol was stopped when the keratinocytes of the non-irradiated cultures (control groups) had reached confluence. Microscopic observations revealed that UVB radiation decreased both fibroblast and keratinocyte growth and enhanced their differentiation resulting in (1) less fibroblasts in the DS and SS, and (2) incomplete coverage of the DS by keratinocytes. Microscopic observations and histological analyses revealed major morphological changes. Both cell types became bigger and presented wide nuclei and vacuoles in the cytoplasm. No organized deep epidermal layer was observed in irradiated compared to non-irradiated SS. Irradiated DS and SS extracellular matrices showed an irregular aggregating collagen fiber organization with serious discrepancies suggesting large defects in the structural properties of the extracellular matrix. The present study demonstrated that exposure to a UVB source led to profound morphological and functional disturbances in both cutaneous cells and in the extracellular matrices of the DS and SS. The present technology would be of great interest for step-by-step studies of UVR effects on cutaneous cell morphology and functional properties, and could be an alternative to using animals for pharmacological and toxicological evaluations.