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Travel to sunny countries is associated with changes in immunological parameters
Author(s) -
Falkenbach A.,
Sedlmeyer A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
photodermatology, photoimmunology and photomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.736
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1600-0781
pISSN - 0905-4383
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0781.1997.tb00217.x
Subject(s) - ultraviolet radiation , adaptation (eye) , immune system , antibody , immunology , serum concentration , immune status , toxicology , physiology , medicine , chemistry , endocrinology , biology , neuroscience , radiochemistry
Under laboratory conditions, various studies have shown that changes in immunological parameters must be expected after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The objective of the present study was to evaluate, whether such changes can also be revealed after a vacation to a sunny country without prior adaptation to ultraviolet radiation. In 32 volunteers white blood cells, lymphocyte subpopulations, sIL2‐R, sCD14, immunoglobulins and complement factor C 3 were determined before and after a vacation in a country with abundant sunshine during winter. The subjects received relevant doses of UVB as confirmed by questionnaires, UVB‐dosimetry and the significant increase of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. After vacation, there was a significant decrease of the CD4/8 ratio and the serum concentration of IgG. The serum concentration of sIL2‐R, sCD14, IgA and C 3 was increased after the journey. Sunshine exposure without prior adaptation may be responsible for significant alterations in the immune system in association with a vacation during winter.