Effect of combined topical glucocorticoids and ultraviolet B irradiation on epidermal Langerhans cells

Abstract

The combined effect of topical glucocorticoids and ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on ATPase+ epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo was investigated in the guinea pig model. Glucocorticoids did not significantly enhance the response to UBV radiation, in the dosage range from 90-550 mJ/cm2 of UVB, suggesting that both agents were acting in a similar fashion. The solvent ethanol, however, potentiated the effect of UVB exposure due, at least in part, to increased penetration of the UVB into the epidermis. The recovery of ATPase+ Langerhans cells was significantly slower after high (>165 mJ/cm2) than after more moderate doses (90-145 mJ/cm2) of UVB radiation.