Ultrastructural effects of UVB radiation and subsequent retinoic acid treatment on the skin of hairless mice.

The ultrastructure of hairless mouse skin exposed to UVB radiation and followed by retinoic acid treatment was studied to identify alterations induced in both epidermis and dermis. Female mice were irradiated 3 times weekly for 5-6 months; a group of these mice was then treated topically 3 times weekly for 10 weeks with either 25 micrograms all-trans-retinoic acid dissolved in acetone or with acetone alone. Age-matched, unexposed, untreated mice served as controls. Cutaneous changes induced by UVB radiation included keratinocyte mitochondrial inclusions often accompanied by damaged cristae, duplication of basement membrane, increased number of dermal fibroblasts, inflammatory cells and elastic fibers, and abnormal elastic fibers. Subsequent retinoic acid treatment resulted in more prominent mitochondrial inclusions which sometimes coalesced to form irregular contoured bodies. Also observed were lipid droplets in the stratum corneum, glycogen deposits in keratinocytes and granular material in dilated keratinocyte endoplasmic reticulum. Poorly differentiated epidermis with necrotic or apoptotic cells was present in some specimens. Elastic fibers were fewer and usually morphologically normal. Skin exposed to UVB and treated with vehicle appeared similar to control except for the presence of excess basement membrane and occasional small mitochondrial inclusions. Because of the heightened concern regarding UV radiation-induced damage to the human skin and the current topical use of retinoids, the cutaneous changes described are considered worthy of attention.