mRNA expression of multiple cytochrome p450 isozymes in four types of cultured skin cells.

BACKGROUND

Many drugs are known to induce allergic reactions in the skin. The metabolic activation of drugs resulting in the formation of protein adducts is thought to be a first step in the induction of these allergic reactions. We postulated that dermal tissue might be a site of drug activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes.

METHODS

Messenger RNA was extracted from cultured Langerhans cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and melanocytes from 6 individuals, and CYP mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

CYP1A1, 1B1 and 2E1 were found in all four cell types. CYP2A6, 2C, 2D6, 3A5, 3A7 and 4B1 mRNA was expressed in a cell-type- and/or individual-specific manner. CYP1A2, 2A7, 2B6 and 3A4 mRNA was not detectable.

CONCLUSIONS

The mRNA for a variety of CYP isozymes was expressed in all four types of skin cells examined. These CYP enzymes may be involved in the pathogenesis of drug-induced allergic reactions in the skin.