Analysis of the effects of UV light on cutaneous neurosensory system using a dorsal root ganglia-in vitro model

Ultraviolet (UV) light is able to affect the neurosensory system of the skin. Mediators released by UV irradiation of the skin are able to augment the sunburn reaction and the UV-induced immunosuppression. The cutaneous neurosenory system is suggested to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of various skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis) that can be treated by UV light. The living skin is very complex. A large number of different mediators released from skin cells upon UV irradiation is capable of affecting the cutaneous sensory nerves. Thus, it is difficult to differentiate these "indirect" UV effects induced by skin cell mediators from "direct" UV effects on cutaneous sensory nerves. We therefore aim to develop an "in vitro model" which contains sensory nerves that innervate the skin. This model will enable us to investigate direct UV effects on cutaneous sensory nerve fibers. By comparing the results of our investgation using this in vitro model with investigations in the living skin it should be possible to differentiate between direct and indirect UV effects on cutaneous sensory nerves. We hope that our studies will give us new insight into the UV effects on the cutaneous neurosensory system. This knowledge should help us to improve existing treatments as well as to develop new treatments for skin diseases in which the cutaneous neurosensory system is suggested to play a significant pathophysiological role.