Induction of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer Photolyase in Cultured Fish Cells by UVA and Blue Light

Abstract— The cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase in fish cells is known to be regulated by environmental factors, such as light, hydrogen peroxide and growth inhibition. The induction of CPD photolyase by light in cultured goldfish cells was dependent on the wavelength of the light, and UVA and blue light had high inductive activity. The spectrum for CPD photolyase activity was different from that for the induction. Treatment with blue or yellow light for a short time, which did not induce any CPD photolyase, induced high CPD photolyase activity in the presence of the photosensitizers, TPPS (monosulfonated meso -tetraphenyl porphine) and ALPS (aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate), respectively. These results suggest that the induction of CPD photolyase might be triggered by active oxygen produced by light and cellular photosensitizers. We also found that immediately after treatment with UVA, blue light or a photosensitizer in combination with light, cellular attachment to the substratum was enhanced, as was the CPD photolyase activity. Pretreatment with a flavonoid, quercetin, inhibited both photoinduction of CPD photolyase and enhancement of cellular attachment. Vitamin E inhibited only photoinduction of CPD photolyase activity. Treatment with H7, a strong inhibitor for protein kinase C, after light treatment inhibited photoinduction of CPD photolyase activity, but an analogue of H7, Ha1004, which is a weak inhibitor of protein kinase C, did not have such an effect.     

Light-induced Damage in the Retina: Differential Effects of Dimethylthiourea on Photoreceptor Survival, Apoptosis and DNA Oxidation

In the rat, photoreceptor cell death from exposure to intense visible light can be prevented by prior treatment with antioxidants. In this study we subjected albino rats raised in dim cyclic light and rats made more susceptible to light damage by rearing in darkness to exposures of green light that led to similar losses of photoreceptor cells. Rhodopsin and photoreceptor DNA, indicators of the number of surviving photoreceptor cells, were determined at various times over a period of 14 days after light exposure. Fragmentation of DNA was determined over a similar time course by neutral and alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis. Apoptosis in retinal DNA was measured by quantitating the appearance of 180 base pair (bp) nucleosomal fragments. Oxidation of DNA was measured by electrochemical detection of the nucleoside 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) after separation by high-performance chromatography. For albino rats reared in dim cyclic light, 24 h of intense light exposure resulted in the loss of 50% rhodopsin and photoreceptor cell DNA. In dark-reared rats, the losses were 40%, respectively, after only 3 h of intense light treatment. In both cases pretreatment with the antioxidant dimethylthiourea (DMTU) prevented rhodopsin and photoreceptor cell DNA loss. The kinetics of the light-induced apoptosis depended markedly on the rearing environment of the rats. The DNA ladders appeared within 12 h of the onset of intense light in the rats reared in dim cyclic light. In these rats the 180 bp fragment was at two-thirds of its maximum intensity immediately after 24 h of light exposure and reached the maximum 12 h later. Dimethylthiourea partially inhibited ladder formation in rats reared in dim cyclic light and delayed the time of appearance of the 180 bp maximum by 6 h. By contrast, in rats reared in darkness the 180 bp fragment was undetected immediately after 3 h of light exposure and reached its maximum 2 days later. Pretreatment with DMTU completely eliminated DNA ladders in these rats. Alkaline gel electrophoresis revealed a pattern of single-strand DNA breaks, with relatively high molecular weight fragments, 6 h after light exposure of dark-reared rats. Single-strand DNA breaks in cyclic light rats corresponded with the onset of apoptotic ladders, but peak values preceded by 12 h the peak of DNA ladder formation. The quantity of 8-OHdG in retinal DNA remained close to control values in all samples with the exception of a peak of twice the control value 18 h after light exposure in the dark-reared rats and a value 60% higher 16 days after exposure in cyclic light animals. Dimethylthiourea had no effect on the amount of oxidized purine in any of the samples. The differences between dark-reared rats and rats reared in dim cyclic light in the kinetics of DNA fragmentation and in their response to treatment with DMTU is consistent with previous observations of fundamental differences in retinal cell physiology in these animals. In dim light-reared rats, the pathway to apoptosis may be qualitatively different from the pathway to net photoreceptor loss in rats reared in darkness. The lack of effect of DMTU on 8-OHdG formation suggests that the oxidation of DNA bases is not a causal factor in light-mediated photoreceptor cell death.     

Effects of Calmodulin Inhibitors and Blue Light on Rhythmic Movement of Robinia pseudoacacia Leaflets

Abstract— The effect of several calmodulin (CAM) antagonists, blue light and an intracellular calcium inhibitor, on the circadian rhythm of Robinia pseudoacacia leaflet movement has been studied. The CAM antagonists, chlorpromazine (CPZ), trifluoperazine (TFP), calmidazolium and N -(6-aminohexyI)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W₇) shifted the phase of the circadian rhythmic movement while W₅, an inactive analogue of W₇, had no effect. Two hour pulses of calmidazolium (10–50 μ M ) gave rise to a phase-response curve with maximum advances (up to 9 h) at circadian time (CT) 6 and maximum delays (up to 7 h) at CT 22. No effect was found on transition from subjective day to subjective night and vice versa. The TFP (10–50 μ M ), applied as 2 h pulses during the circadian cycle, shifted the phase of the circadian leaflet movement and also produced maximum advances in the middle of subjective day. Two hour blue light pulses shifted the phase of leaflet rhythmic movement. The phase-response curve obtained showed maximum advances (up to 5 h) in the middle of subjective day and maximum delays on transition from subjective day to subjective night. Two hour pulses of 50 μ M 8-(diethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hypochloride (TMB-8), an intracellular calcium inhibitor, caused the same type of phase-response curve, with maximum advances and delays occurring at the same time as those produced by blue light. These results indicate that CAM might be involved in controlling the circadian oscillator that drives Robinia leaflet movement. The relationship between CAM and calcium with red and blue light is discussed.     

Modulation of Photochemical Damage in Normal and Malignant Cells by Naturally Occurring Compounds†

Certain phytochemicals, such as the stilbene, resveratrol (RES, found in red grapes and berries), and the triterpenoid, ursolic acid (UA, found in waxy berries and herbs such as rosemary and oregano), have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Two human‐derived cell lines, hTERT‐RPE with a nonmalignant phenotype derived from retinal pigment epithelium, and ATCC CRL‐11147 derived from a malignant skin melanoma, were used as in vitro models of photooxidative stress produced by exposure to the broadband output of a 150 W Hg vapor arc lamp at an irradiance of 19–26 mW cm^?2. In untreated cells, UV–VIS broadband light exposure produced a loss of proliferative ability, an activation of NF‐κB and an increase in protein carbonyl adducts at 24 h postexposure. Pretreatment of the cells with RES or UA at 1–2 μm significantly reduced the amount of phosphorylated NF ‐κB at 24 h postexposure. RES pretreatment reduced the burden of light‐induced protein carbonyl adducts by up to 25% in exposed cells. UA treatment markedly increased the sensitivity of melanoma cells to UV radiation, while conferring some photoprotection to RPE cells. These observations indicate that phytochemicals modulate the cellular response to photochemical stress by interacting with specific cell‐signaling pathways.     

Effect of Two Different UVA Doses on the Rabbit Cornea and Lens

The aim of the present paper was to examine the irradiation effect of two doses of UVA rays (365 nm) on the rabbit cornea and lens. Corneas of anesthetized adult albino rabbits were irradiated with UVA rays for 5 days (daily dose 1.01 J cm⁻² in one group of rabbits and daily dose 2.02 J cm⁻² in the second group of animals). The third day after the last irradiation, the rabbits were killed, and their eyes were employed for spectrophotometrical, biochemical and immunohistochemical investigations. Normal eyes served as controls. Absorption spectra of the whole corneal centers were recorded over the UV–VIS (visible) spectral range. Levels of antioxidant and prooxidant enzymes, nitric oxide synthases and nitric oxide (indirectly measured as nitrate concentration) were investigated in the cornea. Malondialdehyde, a byproduct of lipid peroxidation, was examined in the cornea and lens. The results show that the staining for endothelial nitric oxide synthase was more pronounced in corneas irradiated with the higher UVA dose. Otherwise, UVA rays at either dose did not significantly change corneal light absorption properties and did not cause statistically significant metabolic changes in the cornea or lens. In conclusion, UVA rays at the employed doses did not evoke harmful effects in the cornea or lens.     

Photobiological Interactions of Blue Light and Photosynthetic Photon Flux: Effects of Monochromatic and Broad‐Spectrum Light Sources

Photosynthesis (Pn) and photomorphogenesis (Pm) are affected by light quality, light intensity and photoperiod. Although blue light (BL) is necessary for normal development, it is less efficient in driving Pn than other wavelengths of photosynthetically active radiation. The effects of BL on Pm are highly species dependent. Here we report the interacting effects of BL and photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) on growth and development of lettuce, radish and pepper. We used light‐emitting diode (LED) arrays to provide BL fractions from 11% to 28% under broad‐spectrum white LEDs, and from 0.3% to 92% under monochromatic LEDs. All treatments were replicated three times at each of two PPFs (200 and 500 μmol m^?2 s^?1). Other than light quality, environmental conditions were uniformly maintained across chambers. Regardless of PPF, BL was necessary to prevent shade‐avoidance responses in radish and lettuce. For lettuce and radish, increasing BL reduced stem length, and for both species, there were significant interactions of BL with PPF for leaf expansion. Increasing BL reduced petiole length in radish and flower number in pepper. BL minimally affected pepper growth and other developmental parameters. Pepper seedlings were more photobiologically sensitive than older plants. Surprisingly, there were few interactions between monochromatic and broad‐spectrum light sources.     

ATR/Chk1 Pathway is Activated by Oxidative Stress in Response to UVA Light in Human Xeroderma Pigmentosum Variant Cells

The crucial role of DNA polymerase eta in protecting against sunlight‐induced tumors is evidenced in Xeroderma Pigmentosum Variant (XP‐V) patients, who carry mutations in this protein and present increased frequency of skin cancer. XP‐V cellular phenotypes may be aggravated if proteins of DNA damage response (DDR) pathway are blocked, as widely demonstrated by experiments with UVC light and caffeine. However, little is known about the participation of DDR in XP‐V cells exposed to UVA light, the wavelengths patients are mostly exposed. Here, we demonstrate the participation of ATR kinase in protecting XP‐V cells after receiving low UVA doses using a specific inhibitor, with a remarkable increase in sensitivity and γH2AX signaling. Corroborating ATR participation in UVA‐DDR, a significant increase in Chk1 protein phosphorylation, as well as S‐phase cell cycle arrest, is also observed. Moreover, the participation of oxidative stress is supported by the antioxidant action of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), which significantly protects XP‐V cells from UVA light, even in the presence of the ATR inhibitor. These findings indicate that the ATR/Chk1 pathway is activated to control UVA‐induced oxidatively generated DNA damage and emphasizes the role of ATR kinase as a mediator of genomic stability in pol eta defective cells.     

Protective Effects of Ginseng Proteins on Photoaging of Mouse Fibroblasts Induced by UVA

UVA can penetrate dermis and cause functional damage of dermal fibroblasts leading photoaging. Ginseng is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for skin aging. However, its effects on skin photoaging induced by UVA are not clear. In this study, we isolated ginseng proteins (GP), with molecular weights of 27 kDa and 13 kDa, and found that they alleviated the inhibitory effects of UVA on cell viability and increased percentage of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts in the S phase of cells cycle. GP also improved cell contraction ability, increased the expression and secretion of CoL-I, similar to MAPK phosphorylation inhibitors and reduced expression and secretion of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as the enzyme activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. They reduced ROS content, DNA damage and 8-OHdG content, as well as the protein expression of p53, p21 and p16. The levels of p-ERK, p-p38 and p-JNK, p-c-Fos and p-c-Jun proteins were decreased by GP. Inactivated GP did not inhibit the cellular activity and expression and secretion of CoL-I irradiated by UVA. The results showed that GP can improve cell viability and contractile function by inhibiting DNA damage and collagen degradation to inhibit the photoaging effects of skin dermal cells caused by UVA.     

Effects of the Subcellular Redistribution of Two Nile Blue Derivatives on Photodynamic Oxygen Consumption

Abstract— We present experimental evidence that demonstrates directly how the subcellular localization and redistribution of two nile blue derivatives, 5-ethylamino-9-diethyl-ami-nobenzo[ α ]phenothiazinium chloride (EtNBS) and 5-ethylamino-9-diethyl-aminobenzo[ α ]phenoselenazinium chloride (EtNBSe), affect oxygen consumption during irradiation of sensitized multicell EMT6 spheroids. Specifically, two well-defined phases of oxygen consumption are observed during treatment, with the onset of the second phase being a fluence-dependent event. Fluorescence microscopy during irradiation of EtNBS-sensitized EMT6 monolayer cultures indicates that sensitizer redistribution from intracellular organelles, presumably lysosomes, to the cytosol can explain the onset of the second oxygen consumption phase. This event requires eight times fewer photons for EtNBSe than for EtNBS, consistent with the higher singlet oxygen yield of the former dye. The existence of a second oxygen consumption phase suggests that the aggregated form of the dye is a less efficient photodynamic agent. Moreover, we present evidence suggesting that damage to the primary sites of localization might be less significant than damage incurred by the sites to which the sensitizer redistributes during irradiation.     

Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Cytotoxic Effects of UVA/B Radiation on Mammalian Cells

Effects of selenium (Se) deficiency on the sensitivity of murine leukemia L1210 cells to broad band UVA/B radiation (310–400nm) have been investigated. Cells rendered glutathione peroxidase (GPX) deficient by shortterm (2–3week) growth in 1% serum/RPMI medium without added Se [LSe(-) cells] were found to be much less resistant to clonally assessed UVA/B lethality than Se-supplemented controls [LSe(+) cells]. By contrast, long-term (>20 week) Se-deprived [L'Se(-)] cells whose catalase (CAT) activity was elevated >100-fold were far more resistant to UVA/B than LSe(+) cells. Similar trends were observed for cells irradiated in 1% serum/RPMI or Hank's medium. Whereas the CAT inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole had no effect on LSe(+) photosensitivity, it produced a large increase in L' Se(-) photosensitivity. These findings are consistent with H₂O₂ in-termediacy in photokilling and suggest that L1210 cells depend mainly on GPX for protection against this species but switch to overexpressed CAT after chronic Se deprivation. In agreement with this, steady-state H₂O₂ levels measured by H₂O₂ electrode during UVA/B exposure were higher in LSe(-) than LSe(+) suspensions but much lower (barely detectable) in L' Se(-) suspensions. Cytotoxic effects of UVA/B and variations thereof resulting from Se manipulation could be mimicked by treating cells with glucose oxidase in the presence of D-glucose, providing further support for H₂O₂ involvement. Whether UVA/B-generated H₂O₂ is directly cytotoxic or gives rise to a more damaging species such as hydroxyl radical (HO) is presently unknown.     

混合稀土常乐对孕鼠胚胎细胞的DNA损伤作用

为评估农用稀土常乐对人体胚胎的影响, 采用微核试验和单细胞凝胶电泳技术检测混合稀土常乐能否通过胎盘屏障造成胎儿细胞DNA损伤.于雌鼠妊娠第六天开始染毒, 每天分别以0.3, 2, 5和20 mg*kg-1混合稀土常乐灌胃, 直至妊娠第18 d.结果显示: 除0.3 mg*kg-1剂量组外, 其他各剂量组微核细胞率显著高于对照组, 呈剂量-反应关系. 单细胞凝胶电泳结果显示, 随着染毒剂量的增加, 彗星细胞率增加, 也呈剂量-反应关系, 由此得出结论: 农用稀土常乐在2, 5和20 mg*kg-1剂量下可不同程度地通过胎盘屏障, 并引起胚胎肝细胞和多染红细胞DNA损伤.     

A Spectroscopic Study of the Effects of Various Solvents and Sol-Gel Hosts on the Chemical and Photochemical Properties of Thionin and Nile Blue A

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)-based gels were doped with two optically active organic indicators, thionin and nile blue A. Before trapping in a sol-gel host, thionin and nile blue A were both evaluated for solvent and protonation effects on their spectral properties. Only extreme pH values provided by HCl, NaOH, and NH₄OH produced new absorption and/or fluorescence bands. Introduction of nile blue A into alkaline environments (0.1N NaOH, NH₄OH) results in the appearance of a broad absorption band centered near 520 nm whereas highly acidic environments (1N HCl) show a reduction of the 635 nm absorption peak accompanied by an absorption band located near 460 nm. A marked decrease is observed in the optical density of thionin in 1N HCl solution which results in a reduction in the fluorescence intensity. The absorption and fluorescence spectra also reveal a decrease in a pH 11 solution of NH₄OH as compared to neutral conditions. Both dyes formed dimers when the sol-gel host, initially synthesized with TEOS, was organically modified with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS). However, thionin dimers were present in all silica-based sol-gel compositions, as evidenced by the absorption and fluorescence spectra. Substitution of MTMS for some of the TEOS in the gel matrix resulted in blue shifts in the absorption and fluorescence spectra of nile blue A. The absorption peak shifted 50 nm to 596 nm whereas the fluorescence shifted around 40 nm to 635 nm. These blue shifts resulted from the reduced polarity of the silica-based xerogel. Thionin also exhibited shifts in its absorption and fluorescence spectra with organic modification by MTMS. The absorption shifted approximately 3 nm to 595 nm while the fluorescence maximum decreased 7 nm to 630 nm. The blue shifts in the spectra of thionin with additions of MTMS were attributed to surface sites that altered the molecular structure of the adsorbed thionin molecules.     

Determination of Proteins by Measuring Total Internal-reflected Resonance Light Scattering Signals on Water／Tetrachloromethane Interface with Evans Blue and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide

A sensitive and selective assay of proteins is proposed based on measuring the total internal-reflected resonance light scattering(TIR-RLS) signals produced on the water/tetrachloromethane( H2O/CCl4 ) interface. In an aqueous medium with pH value in the range of 3. 29-3. 78, electrostatic attraction occurs between the negatively charged Evans Blue(EB) and positively charged proteins, forming hydrophobic ion associates and resulting in EB-protein adsorption on H20/CC14 interface. The presence of cetyhrimethylammonium bromide prompts this adsorption, resulting in strongly enhanced TIR-RLS signals. The intensity of the enhanced TIR-RLS at 360-370 nm was found to be proportional to the concentration of proteins. For bovine serum albumin and human serum albumin, the linear range of detection is 0. 07-1.2μLg/mL and the limits of detection are 6. 68 and 6. 30 ng/mL(3σ) , respectively, while for lysozyme, the linear range of detection is 0. 06-1.0μg/mL and the limit of detection is 6. 0 ng/mL(3σ). The content of the total albumin in a human urine samplc could be directly determiined by using the standard addition method with a percent recovery of 97.6%-104. 1% , and the RSD ranging from 1. 9% to 4. 2%.     

The Photodynamic Action of Methylene Blue on the Ion Channels of Paramecium Causes Cell Damage

Abstract— The photodynamic effects of methylene blue (MB) on wild-type and mutant strains of Paramecium Were studied. From measurements of survival and cell motility under the continuous application of light in the presence of MB, the mutant strains remained alive for about three times longer than the wild-type strain. Although the resting potential of the mutant cells was similar to that of wild-type cells, the continuous photodynamic action shifted the membrane potentials of the mutant and wild-type cells to a depolarized level and a hyperpolarized level, respectively, from that before light application. Under voltage clamping, the mutant cells reduced not only the outward current elicited by the photodynamic action but also the outward tail current elicited by the preceding pulse of hyperpolarization. We conclude that the mutant strain is defective in the activation of Ca²+-dependent K+channels. This defect might cause a reduction in the Ca²+influx because of the suppression of the membrane hyperpolarization, which results in the elongation of survival time under the photodynamic action.     

Effect of LED Blue Light on Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum Strains

Studies on the antimicrobial properties of light have considerably increased due in part to the development of resistance to actual control methods. This study investigates the potential of light‐emitting diodes (LED) blue light for controlling Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum. These fungi are the most devastating postharvest pathogens of citrus fruit and cause important losses due to contaminations and the development of resistant strains against fungicides. The effect of different periods and quantum fluxes, delaying light application on the growth and morphology of P. digitatum strains resistant and sensitive to fungicides, and P. italicum cultured at 20°C was examined. Results showed that blue light controls the growth of all strains and that its efficacy increases with the quantum flux. Spore germination was always avoided by exposing the cultures to high quantum flux (700 μmol m^?2 s^?1) for 18 h. Continuous light had an important impact on the fungus morphology and a fungicidal effect when applied at a lower quantum flux (120 μmol m^?2 s^?1) to a growing fungus. Sensitivity to light increased with mycelium age. Results show that blue light may be a tool for P. digitatum and P. italicum infection prevention during handling of citrus fruits.     

光化学反应在流动注射分析中的应用研究 Ⅳ.亚甲基蓝光化学反应体系测定抗坏血酸

基于抗坏血酸光化学还原亚甲基蓝光化学反应,建立了流动注射光化学反应测定抗坏血酸的新方法。方法线性范围为0.12～5.60μg/ml,进样频率为55～60次/h。应用于医用维生素C片剂中抗坏血酸的测定,结果满意。     

微观形貌可控TiO2的制备及其光解水产氢性能

通过简单的沉淀、水热、溶剂热和溶胶凝胶法分别制备出实心球(s-TiO_2)、空心球(h-TiO_2)、纳米管(a-TNT)和介孔形状(mTiO_2)的锐钛矿晶型结构TiO_2光催化材料。采用HRTEM、FESEM、XRD、UV-Vis、N2吸-脱附和光解水制氢反应等对催化材料的微观表面结构、光吸收性能以及不同形貌光催化剂的光解水制氢的性能对比研究。结果表明:s-TiO_2具有最高的光催化活性,主要归功于s-TiO_2独特的微观形貌结构所致,s-TiO_2是由亚微晶颗粒组成的介孔状实心球,亚微晶粒径相比较其它形貌的材料要小,有利于光生载流子的迁移,抑制电子-空穴对的体相复合,导致活性提高。同时,晶化过程用于传质通道的无序微孔可以束缚用作牺牲剂的CH3OH分子,使得空穴快速被牺牲剂消耗,减少与电子复合。     

微观形貌可控TiO2的制备及其光解水产氢性能

通过简单的沉淀、水热、溶剂热和溶胶凝胶法分别制备出实心球（s-TiO₂）、空心球（h-TiO₂）、纳米管（a-TNT）和介孔形状（m-TiO₂）的锐钛矿晶型结构TiO₂光催化材料。采用HRTEM、FESEM、XRD、UV-Vis、N₂吸-脱附和光解水制氢反应等对催化材料的微观表面结构、光吸收性能以及不同形貌光催化剂的光解水制氢的性能对比研究。结果表明：s-TiO₂具有最高的光催化活性,主要归功于s-TiO₂独特的微观形貌结构所致,s-TiO₂是由亚微晶颗粒组成的介孔状实心球,亚微晶粒径相比较其它形貌的材料要小,有利于光生载流子的迁移,抑制电子-空穴对的体相复合,导致活性提高。同时,晶化过程用于传质通道的无序微孔可以束缚用作牺牲剂的CH₃OH分子,使得空穴快速被牺牲剂消耗,减少与电子复合。     

The Effects of the Broadband UVA Radiation on Myeloid Leukemia Cells: The Possible Role of Protein Kinase C in Mediation of UVA-lnduced Effects

Abstract— We examined the effects of broadband UVA radiation (320–400 nm) on a rat myeloid leukemia cell line–chlo-roma (ChL). A Phillips face tanner model HB 171/A was used as a light source. Chloroma were irradiated through a 5 mm thick glass Alter that cut off all of the UVB contamination. The irradiances were measured, from 250 to 400 nm, with a well-characterized and calibrated double-grating spectroradiometer Optronic 742. The overall uncertainty of dose evaluation was estimated to be <15% (2s?). The cells were irradiated with UVA doses of 4 and 8 J/cm² and cultured thereafter for 24 h. After this period of time, a marked decline up to 50% was observed in cell proliferation in UVA-irradiated ChL cultures. The cell proliferation decline was found to be caused by simultaneously occurring G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in part of the UVA-irradiated ChL population. Concomitantly, with the decline in cell proliferation, an increase was observed in the expression of the major histocompatibility (MHC) class I and II antigens. Because protein kinase C (PKC) is known to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis and expression of MHC antigens, and because UVA was shown to regulate PKC activity/expression, we therefore examined whether UVA irradiation has any effect on the expression of isozymes of PKC. Western blots revealed that ChL express α, βI, δ, α, γ, and π isozymes of PKC and that expression of all isozymes declined 24 h after UVA irradiation (8 J/cm²). Finally, PKC activation in ChL by exposure to phorbol ester caused cell cycle arrest in G1 phase but did not induce apoptosis. This suggests that the previously shown UVA-induced PKC activation in ChL might be responsible for the induction of MHC antigens but the simultaneously observed ChL apoptosis is likely to be mediated by PKC down-regulation. All together, our results suggest that UVA, at irradiance levels that resemble the outdoor exposure, may have profound effects on the immune-related properties of leukocytes. Thus, we speculate that in vivo the immune functions of leukocytes passing through dermal capillaries might be altered by exposure to solar UVA radiation.