Ultraviolet light-induced kinin formation in human skin

Abstract

The in vivo response of human skin to erythemogenic UVwas evaluated in 6 normal and 3 atopic subjects utilizing a carbon-arc source with therapeutic C carbons and dermal perfusion techniques. Kinin and histamine bioassays of the perfusion fluid revealed no evidence of histamine release. In contrast, kinins appeared within 21 min. after completion of the exposures in the 6 normal subjects. Initiation of the perfusions 3 hr. and 24 hr. after the ultraviolet exposure showed no kinin formation. No kinins were detected in atopic subjects despite development of normal delayed erythema reactions. Thus, the kinin response was transitory in nature, and was not responsible for the production or persistence of the delayed sunburn erythema.