The sensitization of near-ultraviolet radiation killing of mammalian cells by the sunscreen agent para-aminobenzoic acid.
The wavelengths of sunlight considered to be responsible for erythema and skin cancer formation are in the range 290-340 nm. Formulated sunscreens usually contain an agent that absorbs in this wavelength region, and one of the most widely used is para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Previous work has demonstrated the sensitization by PABA of the lethal and mutagenic effects of near-ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a model bacterial system. Experiments with the mouse lymphoma L5178Y cell line have now demonstrated sensitization by PABA of the lethal effect of near-UV radiation, the extent of which, after correction for absorption of UV radiation by PABA, bears a direct relationship to PABA concentration. The limitations of these results in predicting the response of human skin to the presence of PABA during exposure to UV radiation is emphasized.
D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D062365:Aminobenzoates / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D062365:Aminobenzoates; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid