Related Experiment Videos
Immunosuppression by ultraviolet B rays via eyes in mice
K Hiramoto1, Y Mashita, T Katada
1Research Institute, Nippon Menard Cosmetic Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|February 7, 1998
Summary
Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation applied to the skin or eyes suppresses contact hypersensitivity. However, UV-B eye irradiation did not cause immunosuppression when the optic nerve was severed, indicating its importance in the UV-B-induced immune response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Photobiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation is known to induce immunosuppression.
- Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is an immune response that can be suppressed by UV-B exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the eyes in UV-B-induced immunosuppression.
- To determine if the optic nerve is essential for systemic immunosuppression following UV-B eye irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Mice (C57BL/6N Crj) were exposed to a 10 kJ/m2 dose of UV-B radiation on the dorsal skin or eyes.
- Immunosuppression was assessed after sensitization with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC).
- Experiments were conducted with intact optic nerves and after optic nerve transection.
Main Results:
- UV-B irradiation of either the dorsal skin or the eyes induced comparable levels of immunosuppression.
- UV-B eye irradiation failed to induce systemic immunosuppression when the optic nerve was cut.
- These findings suggest the optic nerve plays a crucial role in mediating UV-B-induced immunosuppression via eye exposure.
Conclusions:
- The eyes are a significant site for UV-B-induced immunosuppression.
- The optic nerve is essential for the systemic effects of UV-B eye irradiation on contact hypersensitivity.
- This highlights a potential pathway for UV-B radiation to affect the immune system through ocular exposure and neural pathways.