Analysis of the protective effect of topical sunscreens on the UVB-radiation-induced suppression of the mixed-lymphocyte reaction.
The mixed-lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was used to test the protective capacity of several sunscreens against UVB-radiation-induced suppression of the immune response. The MLR was performed using stimulator cells that had been exposed to 120 mJ/cm2 of an UVB source, whereas in simultaneous experiments a sunscreen-covered piece of quartz glass was placed in between the light source and the culture dish. The MLR response after UVB radiation was significantly decreased in comparison with the MLR response of non-radiated cells. This UV effect was partly inhibited by the tested sunscreens, whereas their vehicles alone showed hardly any effect. The protective capacity of sunscreens with similar protection factors, which were determined using the minimal erythematous dose (MED), showed a significant variation. These results suggest that the MED is not an accurate method to determine protection against UV-induced immunologic damage.
Mommaas
A M
AM
Department of Dermatology and Immunohaematology, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands.
van Praag
M C
MC
Bouwes Bavinck
J N
JN
Out-Luiting
C
C
Vermeer
B J
BJ
Claas
F H
FH
D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D013473:Sunscreening Agents