Differential protection by two sunscreens from UV radiation-induced immunosuppression.

Abstract

A controversy has arisen concerning the ability of sunscreens to protect mice from the immunosuppressive effects of UV radiation. We have assessed the photoprotection in hairless mice of two sun protection factor (SPF)15 sunscreens containing different UVB (280-320-nm) absorbers, namely, octyl-N-dimethyl-p-aminobenzoate (o-PABA) or 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate (2-EHMC). Following three minimum erythemal exposures to UV radiation, both systemic suppression of contact hypersensitivity to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and induction of susceptibility to transplanted UV radiation-induced tumor cells was established. Topically applied 2-EHMC sunscreen protected totally from both forms of immunosuppression, but the o-PABA sunscreen failed to protect, although both sunscreens were equally effective in protection from UV radiation-induced erythema and edema.

• Authors: V E Reeve, M Bosnic, C Boehm-Wilcox, R D Ley
• Journal: The Journal of investigative dermatology (J Invest Dermatol) Vol. 97 Issue 4 Pg. 624-8 (Oct 1991) ISSN: 0022-202X [Print] United States
• PMID: 1940432 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cinnamates
• Sunscreening Agents
• octylmethoxycinnamate
• 4-Aminobenzoic Acid

Topics

• 4-Aminobenzoic Acid (pharmacology)
• Animals
• Cinnamates (pharmacology)
• Dermatitis, Contact (prevention & control)
• Edema (etiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Erythema (etiology, prevention & control)
• Immune Tolerance (drug effects)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Hairless
• Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced (prevention & control)
• Skin Neoplasms (prevention & control)
• Sunscreening Agents (pharmacology)
• Ultraviolet Rays (adverse effects)