title: Phototoxic polyacetylenes and their thiophene derivatives. (Effects on human skin).
abstract: Polyacetylenes and their thiophene derivatives were tested for their effects on human skin. Topically applied alpha-terthienyl evoked bi-phasic phototoxic dermatitis and the appearance of 'sunburn' cells in human epidermis. None of 11 polyacetylenes had the same effect although they mimicked alpha-terthienyl in their phototoxic effects on Candida albicans and certain pathogenic microorganisms. The UV-mediated antibiotic activity of the compounds and their apparent lack of phototoxicity towards the skin suggest a potential topical therapeutic role for them in yeast, fungal and bacterial infections and light-responsive dermatoses. Their topical sensitizing capacity, however, has not yet been studied.
mesh_terms: D000480:Alkynes / Q000494:pharmacology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000494:pharmacology; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D011090:Polyenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000480:Alkynes; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D011090:Polyenes; D013876:Thiophenes; C019101:alpha-terthienyl; D008730:Methoxsalen