[PUVA irradiation decreases the binding of membrane and basement membrane markers to human epidermis in vitro].

PUVA effects on frozen sections of human epidermis were investigated (20 micrograms 8-methoxypsoralen/ml; UVA wavelength 365 +/- 5 nm; radiation dose between 2 X 10(2) and 2 X 10(2) J/m2). The quality of the glycocalyx was characterized by lectins labeled with FITC (HPA, PHA, LCA, PNA, SBA, RCA, GCA I, UEA I). Serum antibodies of bullous pemphigoid (BP) served as membrane markers for the basement membrane. Fixed BP antibodies were detected by FITC-antihuman IgG. The fluorescence intensity was markedly decreased at a dose of 2 X 10(5) J/m2; 2 X 10(4) J/m2 were less effective. At 2 X 10(3) J/m2, there was nearly no alteration of the fluorescence intensity observed. Changes were seen in the case of BP antibodies and lectins, except UEA I. The relatively high intensity (radiation dose) and the effects immediately observable suggest direct membrane alterations by PUVA in vitro.