Effects of low-dose ultraviolet radiation on in vivo human cutaneous recall responses.

Abstract

Relatively few studies have examined the effects of low-dose ultraviolet (UV) radiation on in vivo human cutaneous immunity, or the ability of sunscreens to prevent UV-induced immunosuppression. We have studied the effects of solar-simulated UV radiation on nickel contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in nickel-allergic volunteers, and on delayed type hypersensitivity responses in Mantoux-positive volunteers. Nickel CHS and Mantoux responses were significantly suppressed by acute, suberythemal UV exposures equivalent to less than 8 min summer sunlight. Both UVA and UVB wavebands were immunosuppressive, but UVA-induced immunosuppression was transient, whereas UVB had a more sustained effect. Dose-responses for UV immunosuppression were determined using the nickel method, enabling calculation of in vivo sunscreen immune protection factors in a manner analogous with sun protection factor measurement. Sunscreens were found to confer significantly less protection against UV-induced immunosuppression than against UV-induced erythema.

• Authors: D L Damian, R S Barnetson, G M Halliday
• Journal: The Australasian journal of dermatology (Australas J Dermatol) Vol. 42 Issue 3 Pg. 161-7 (Aug 2001) ISSN: 0004-8380 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 11488707 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Sunscreening Agents
• Tuberculin
• Nickel

Topics

• Allergens (immunology)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (immunology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity, Delayed (immunology)
• Immune Tolerance
• Nickel (immunology)
• Skin (immunology, radiation effects)
• Skin Tests
• Sunscreening Agents (therapeutic use)
• Tuberculin (immunology)
• Ultraviolet Rays