Pentoxifylline attenuates UVB-induced cutaneous erythema.
BACKGROUND
The mechanism for ultraviolet-B (UVB)-associated cutaneous erythema may involve production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Pentoxifylline inhibits TNF-alpha production.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of oral pentoxifylline on UVB-induced erythema in humans.


METHODS
Baseline minimum erythema doses (MEDs) for UVB were measured. Subjects received pentoxifylline 400 mg orally every 8 h for 4 doses. MED assays were repeated 2 h after the last dose of pentoxifylline. Pre- and posttreatment MED results were assessed by the paired t test.


RESULTS
Oral administration of pentoxifylline to 7 normal adults elevated the MED for UVB in all 7 individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
Pentoxifylline may diminish the cutaneous sunburn response to UVB radiation when it is administered prior to ultraviolet exposure.
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA. mlowitt@umaryland.edu
M H
MH
Lowitt
D000328:Adult; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D010431:Pentoxifylline