Ultraviolet a augments solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation-induced local suppression of recall responses in humans

J Invest Dermatol. 2002 Jun;118(6):1032-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2002.01773.x.

Abstract

Many studies support the role of ultraviolet B in sunlight-induced alteration of the cutaneous immune system. The role of ultraviolet A is less clear, particularly in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of additional ultraviolet A on solar-simulated ultraviolet-induced suppression of recall responses to nickel in humans. Immuno suppression dose-responses were induced in volunteers by exposure to solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation for four consecutive days. The ultraviolet A radiation dose was increased daily by providing additional high-dose ultraviolet A either before, or after the solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation. These ultraviolet A doses can be readily achieved through a sunscreen. Two different ultraviolet A spectra were used; 320-400 nm and 330-400 nm. Ultraviolet A alone did not cause significant immunosuppression, but augmented solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression. Additional ultraviolet A reduced the minimum dose of solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation that was immunosuppressive. Both ultraviolet A spectra had this effect, although photoaugmentation was less pronounced with the 330-400 nm spectrum. Ultraviolet A-induced immediate pigment darkening did not protect from solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation-induced immuno suppression.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Erythema
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune System / radiation effects*
  • Immunologic Memory / radiation effects*
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Male
  • Nickel / immunology
  • Skin / radiation effects*
  • Skin Pigmentation / radiation effects
  • Sunlight / adverse effects
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Nickel