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Formation of a Carcinogen in Human Skin irradiated with Ultraviolet Light

Nature volume 234, pages 306–308 (1971)Cite this article

Abstract

THE role of ultraviolet light and sunlight in the aetiology of certain types of human skin cancer is now well established1. The mechanism(s) by which light induces such changes, however, are not understood. One explanation2,3 of the induction of skin cancers by ultraviolet light and sunlight is that steroids in the skin are converted photochemically to carcinogenic materials, but failure to obtain such compounds by irradiation of naturally occurring sterols in biological systems has cast doubt upon the validity of such a hypothesis. Although Blum has argued against this hypothesis4, he has recently described the induction by ultraviolet radiation of a diffusible substance that mediates hyperplasia5. Here we provide evidence for the formation of a cholesterol-derived carcinogenic photoproduct in human skin.

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References

  1. Epstein, J. H., in Photophysiology (edit. by Giese, A. C.), 5, 235 (Academic Press, New York, 1970).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Veterans Administration Hospital and Department of Dermatology and Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77031

    HOMER S. BLACK & WAN-BANG LO

Authors
  1. HOMER S. BLACK
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  2. WAN-BANG LO
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BLACK, H., LO, WB. Formation of a Carcinogen in Human Skin irradiated with Ultraviolet Light. Nature 234, 306–308 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/234306a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/234306a0

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