SKIN CHANGES INDUCED BY UV-IRRADIATED LINOLENIC ACID EXTRACT

Subcutaneous administration of an aqueous extract of ultraviolet-irradiated linolenic acid resulted in alopecic plaque in the skin of mice. The extract induced necrosis in the epidermis; its epithelial appendages and dermis; followed by an inflammatory response, disruption of collagen; and elastic fibers. Hyperplasia of the epidermis and of the follicular sheath was quite marked about seven days after the injection. The follicular hyperplasia was followed by keratogenesis, with the formation of 'keratin cysts' at the original follicular sites. It is presumed that these toxic properties are associated with peroxides and carbonyl compounds present in the extract. (Author) Pub. in Archives of Pathology v80 p91-7 Jul 1965 (Copies not available to DDC or Clearinghouse customers).