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Plasma levels of opioid peptides after sunbed exposures
Author(s) -
Gambichler T.,
Bader A.,
Vojvodic M.,
Avermaete A.,
Schenk M.,
Altmeyer P.,
Hoffmann K.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04859.x
Subject(s) - beta endorphin , radioimmunoassay , opioid peptide , medicine , met enkephalin , endorphins , blood plasma , opioid , endocrinology , physiology , receptor
SummaryBackground Previous studies have indicated that solar and artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation have a positive influence on psychological variables such as mood and emotional state. Circulating opioid peptides have been suggested as being important in this effect. Objectives To investigate in a controlled trial the influence of UVA radiation on opioid peptide levels. Methods We determined plasma levels of β‐endorphin immunoreactive material (IRM) and met‐enkephalin in UV‐exposed (n = 35) and non‐exposed (n = 9) healthy volunteers. On the first day of the study, blood samples were taken from the volunteers (time A). UVA irradiation was subsequently administered with an air‐conditioned tanning device. During the UV exposures the volunteers wore opaque goggles. Twenty minutes after UV exposure, blood samples were collected again (time B). Within the following 3 weeks the volunteers had a series of five UV exposures. On the last day of the study (24 h after the sixth UV exposure) blood samples were collected (time C). The cumulative UVA doses were 96 J cm−2for skin type II and 126 J cm−2 for skin type III. The controls had no UV exposures. Plasma β‐endorphin IRM and met‐enkephalin levels were determined using radioimmunoassays. Results At all times of blood collection (A, B, C), there were no significant differences in plasma levels of β‐endorphin IRM and met‐enkephalin between UV‐exposed and non‐exposed volunteers (P > 0·05). Conclusions UVA irradiation does not significantly elevate plasma levels of β‐endorphin IRM and met‐enkephalin. Therefore we suggest that psychological benefits claimed to occur after UV exposure are unlikely to be mediated by the types of circulating opioid peptides measured in this study.