Early alterations of actin in cultured human keratinocytes and fibroblasts exposed to long-wavelength radiations. Possible involvement in the UVA-induced perturbations of endocytotic processes.

Exposure of cultured MRC5 human fibroblasts or NCTC 2544 human keratinocytes to mild doses of ultraviolet A (UVA: 320-400 nm) radiations markedly decreased the actin reactivity with fluorescein-labeled phalloidin. This indicates a change in the degree of polymerization of actin and thus in the organization of actin filaments. Such a phenomenon might be involved in the previously reported UVA-induced inhibition of specific and nonspecific endocytotic processes.