Higher cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer and (6-4) photoproduct yields in epidermis of normal humans with increased sensitivity to ultraviolet B radiation.

Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and (6-4) photoproduct induced in the epidermis of five Japanese volunteers exposed to ultraviolet (UVB) radiation were measured with monoclonal antibodies specific for each photoproduct. The volunteers comprised two individuals who are sensitive to solar irradiation (low minimal erythema dose [MED]) and three who are less sensitive. The yields of CPD and (6-4) photoproduct were within similar ranges after 1 MED or 3 MED doses. The yields of both photoproducts after the same dose of irradiation (120 mJ/cm2) were higher in UV-sensitive individuals than in less sensitive individuals. By 24 h after irradiation, an average of 60% of CPD had been removed after the 1 MED dose, 27% after the 3 MED dose and 34% after 120 mJ/cm2. The (6-4) photoproduct was removed within 24 h, independently of the dose of UVB tested. These data suggest that DNA photoproducts participate in initiating UVB-induced erythema, and partially explain why individuals with higher sensitivity to UVB have a higher risk of UV-induced skin cancer.