Effects of Single-Dose Ultraviolet Radiation on Skin Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Xanthine Oxidase in Hairless Mice

The effects of a single exposure to UVB radiation on skin antioxidant enzymes and superoxide-generating xanthine oxidase were examined in Skh:HR-1 hairless mice. Significant decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were observed by 12 h after UV irradiation and remained depressed for up to 72 h. No induction of xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) or xanthine oxidase (XO) occurred with UV treatment, although significant hyperplasia was evident. Ornithine decarboxylase was induced after UV irradiation as has been previously reported. These results demonstrate significant biochemical effects of a single dose of UVB on murine epidermis, especially in terms or antioxidant defenses