Suppression of epidermal proliferation by ultraviolet light, coal tar and anthralin

Abstract

UVA (UV light) (UVA, 360 nm) plus coal tar depresses mitosis and DNA synthesis in mouse epidermal cells [in skin diseases]. UVA has no effect by itself. In some models coal tar alone can partially depress DNA synthesis. UVC (UV light) and UBV 290-320 nm UV light do not enhance depression of DNA synthesis by coal tar. Dithranol (Anthralin) will suppress mitosis and DNA synthesis of epidermal cells, but there appears to be no photo-activation by UVA. Dithranol suppression and suppression of DNA synthesis by UVB or UVC were additive when used together.