A Study on the Photoprotective Effect of alpha - Tocopherol and brta - Carotene in Guinea Pig

Kim, Sang Tae; Suh, Kee Suck; Chae, Young Soo

Abstract

The mechanism responsible for the formation of sunburn cells in mammalian skin is unknown. However it is suggested that the reactive free radicals and oxygen species generated by UV radiation are causing oxidative reactions in certain keratinocytes that are manifestated in the form of dyskeratotic cells and free radical scavengers such as a-tocopherol acetate or p-carotene were thought to be photoprotective against sunburn radiation. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of single and multiple applications of n-tocopherol acetate(a-TCA) and p-carotene on the formation of sunburn cells. We also determined the effect of these two antioxidants on the sunburn reartion by UVB irradiation. The results were as follows : 1. Both a-tocopheroJ acetate and p-carotene were photoprotective and prevented the formation of sunburn cells and sunburn reaction. 2. Topical p-carotene was less photoprotective than u-tocopherol acetate. 3. Topical use of a-tocopherol acetate and p-carotene in dose range exceeding 1,000 pgcm could provide photoprotective effect if the UVB exposure doses were less than 300 mJ/cm'( 3 MED)