In vitro phototoxicity test using artificial skin with melanocytes.
BACKGROUND
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been shown to induce cutaneous biological changes and phototoxic reactions.


OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of artificial skin (AS) composed of keratinocytes and melanocytes as an in vitro phototoxicity model for topical agents.


METHODS
AS was manufactured with three-dimensionally cultured keratinocytes and melanocytes on a de-epidermized dermis (DED). The photobiological responses in AS with and without melanocytes were comparatively examined after ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure. Three test chemicals (8-methoxypsoralen, 6-methylcoumarin and tetracycline) were topically applied onto the AS with melanocytes and after UVA irradiation, the released inflammatory cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-beta and IL-6) were analyzed.


RESULTS
AS with melanocytes showed better epidermal structures, stronger resistance to UVA exposure and photobiological responses closer to in vivo human skin. Releases of inflammatory cytokines were well correlated with the increased phototoxicities of test chemicals. Among the measured cytokines, IL-6 could be the most reliable in vitro marker indicative of phototoxic potential, because it showed statistically significant increase only in case of concurrent exposure to chemicals and UVA.


CONCLUSIONS
The AS with melanocytes may be a useful tool especially for examining UV-induced cutaneous changes and a promising in vitro phototoxicity test model for topical agents.
Lee
Jong Hee
JH
Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging Research, Clinical Research Institute Seoul, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Ji Eun
JE
Kim
Beom Joon
BJ
Cho
Kwang Hyun
KH
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D015415:Biomarkers; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D003374:Coumarins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017768:Skin, Artificial; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D015415:Biomarkers; D003374:Coumarins; D016207:Cytokines; D015850:Interleukin-6; C018096:6-methylcoumarin; D013752:Tetracycline; D008730:Methoxsalen