Skin Rashes Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Rashes, including details on dermatitis, itches, creams, medication, treatment.

In vitro phototoxicity test using artificial skin with melanocytes.

Lee JH, Kim JE, Kim BJ, Cho KH

Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging Research, Clinical Research Institute Seoul, Seoul, Korea.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been shown to induce cutaneous biological changes and phototoxic reactions. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of artificial skin (AS) composed of keratinocytes and melanocytes as an in vitro phototoxicity model for topical agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AS was manufactured with three-dimensionally cultured keratinocytes and melanocytes on a de-epidermized dermis (DED). The photobiological responses in AS with and without melanocytes were comparatively examined after ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure. Three test chemicals (8-methoxypsoralen, 6-methylcoumarin and tetracycline) were topically applied onto the AS with melanocytes and after UVA irradiation, the released inflammatory cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-beta and IL-6) were analyzed. RESULTS: AS with melanocytes showed better epidermal structures, stronger resistance to UVA exposure and photobiological responses closer to in vivo human skin. Releases of inflammatory cytokines were well correlated with the increased phototoxicities of test chemicals. Among the measured cytokines, IL-6 could be the most reliable in vitro marker indicative of phototoxic potential, because it showed statistically significant increase only in case of concurrent exposure to chemicals and UVA. CONCLUSION: The AS with melanocytes may be a useful tool especially for examining UV-induced cutaneous changes and a promising in vitro phototoxicity test model for topical agents.

Published 25 May 2007 in Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed, 23(2): 73-80.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Skin Rashes Research Today. All Rights Reserved.