The pheomelanin precursor 5-S-cysteinyldopa protects melanocytes from membrane damage induced by ultraviolet A radiation.
Pheomelanin and pheomelanin precursors have been implicated as risk factors for induction of melanoma by ultraviolet radiation. The pheomelanin precursor, 5-S-cysteinyldopa, has been shown to sensitise DNA to oxidative damage by ultraviolet radiation. We here show that 5-S-cysteinyldopa significantly protects melanocytes from membrane damage (permeability) induced by ultraviolet A radiation. Thus, 5-S-cysteinyldopa, may at the same time sensitise DNA and protect membranes from damage induced by ultraviolet radiation.
Kvam
Egil
E
Department of Radiation Biology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, 0310 Oslo, Norway. egilkv@czi.net
Dahle
Jostein
J
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D003548:Cysteinyldopa / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004249:DNA Damage; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D051379:Mice; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D008543:Melanins; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; C018362:pheomelanin; D003548:Cysteinyldopa