Heme Oxygenase Expression in Skin of Hairless Mouse Using Ultraviolet A (320-400 nm) Radiation as an Inducer

This study describes RT-PCR and in situ hybridisation protocols, and the immunohistochemical detection method that we have developed to detect and localise cells that express HO-1 in the skin. We found that HO-1 mRNA was absent in normal mouse skin, but after UVA irradiation HO-1 mRNA was expressed in the dermal fibroblasts, and strongly in basal epidermal cells. HO-1 protein was also induced strongly in dermal fibroblasts, and also in epidermal cells. In addition, the HO substrate heme was reduced in skin microsome at 72 hrs post UVA (when HO activity is high). At the same time, the HO products bilirubin and iron levels were elevated in the cutaneous tissue. Thus in addition to a dermal response, there appears to be an epidermal HO response to UVA in vivo that may be relevant for immune modulation by UVA radiation.