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PHOTOSENSITIVITY BY DEMETHYLCHLORTETRACYCLINE AND SULPHANILAMIDE
Author(s) -
Stratigos J. D.,
Magnus I. A.
Publication year - 1968
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 - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1968.tb12326.x
Subject(s) - photosensitivity , action spectrum , broad spectrum , action (physics) , chemistry , biology , biophysics , physics , optics , quantum mechanics , combinatorial chemistry
SUMMARY. Photosensitization of the skin by demethylchlortetracycline and sulphanilamide has been demonstrated in mice. Demethylchlortetracycline has an action spectrum extending from 350 to 420 nm with a peak at 400 nm; it is most effective in mice when given by the intradermal route, less effective intraperitoneally and without action orally. Sulphanilamide has a photosensitizing action spectrum from 375 to 400 nm, i.e. mostly in the visible spectrum, with less certain activity at 280–300 and 550–600 nm; it is effective intradermally and inactive orally. The majority of the photosensitizing effects of sulphanilamide must be due either to the alteration of its constitution in the skin, or to a metabolic change in the skin itself since sulphanilamide does not absorb visible light. Possible mechanisms are discussed and a speculative hypothesis is proposed that a local disturbance of porphyrin metabolism may be implicated.