A study on prostaglandin F2? in photodermatoses

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) as a possible mediator was studied. Its plasma content was determined by radioimmunoassay. Changes in the DNA synthesis were followed by autoradiography. In active polymorphous light eruption (PLE) and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) a remarkable increase (over 300 pg/ml) in plasma content occurred, especially in cases involving large skin areas. Values returned to normal in remission. PGF2α administered i.d., significantly increased the DNA synthesis of the epidermal cells 48 h after injection similar to the effect of three minimal erythema dosis UV-irradiation. This was more pronounced in PLE patients than in controls. These findings suggest some role of PGF2α in producing the inflammatory and perhaps proliferative components of the skin symptoms in PLE. PGF2α — in parallel to literary data concerning PGE — seems to be a mediator of UV-induced changes in DNA synthesis of the epidermal cells.