G. Kavli

Light penetration of normal and photokeratitis induced rabbit cornea.

The passage of light through photokeratitic and normal corneas was investigated using a grating monochromator. The energy output was measured at each selected central wavelength from 280 to 700 nm. The absorption by epithelial and stromal suspensions was continuously registered over the total light spectrum in a recording spectrophotometer. The penetrating quantity of the physiologically effective middle wave ultraviolet (UVB) rays varies according to wavelengths from about 11 % at 290 nm up to 50% at 320 nm. Photokeratitis did not alter the transmission characteristics at wavelengths below 310nm. At longer wavelengths transmission was significantly decreased in photokeratitic corneas compared to normal. No difference was found between the light absorption of the supernatants of photokeratitic and normal corneas.

A Case of Chronic Urticaria and Vitiligo, Associated with Thyroiditis, Treated with PUVA

A case of chronic urticaria and vitiligo, associated with thyroiditis is described. Significantly elevated thyromicrosomal antibodies were found. Autoimmune reaction is a possible cause of the patients thyroid disease, vitiligo and chronic urticaria. Following PUVA treatment with a total dose of 300 J/cm2 the patients urticaria subsided in all irradiated areas, only to relapse 2 weeks later. Subsequently courses of PUVA gave periods of remission. The treatment also induced repigmentation in the vitiliginous spots. The results indicate a local PUVA effect upon mediators or mediator-containing cells.

Phototoxicity from furocoumarins (psoralens) of Heracleum laciniatum in a patient with vitiligo. Action spectrum studies on bergapten, pimpinellin, angelicin and sphondin

Investigations on light reactions in a patient with vitiligo are presented. The minimal erythema dose (MED)in the UVB area was approximately 1/1 of that in persons of skin type II. The application of furocoumarins (psoralens) increased light tolerance by 1 MED at 300–310 mm. Action spectrum studies with furocoumarins from Heracleum laciniatum showed the following order of potency: bergapten, Pimpinellin, angelicin and sphondin. The efficacy was highest at 325–350nm, with maxima at 330–335 nm. Pimpinellin was recently found to be phototoxic, but an action spectrum of sphondin is reported for the first time.

Furocoumarins of Heracleum Laciniatum: isolation, phototoxicity, absorption and action spectra studies

Isolation of the furocoumarins (psoralens) bergapten, isobergapten, sphondin, isopimpinellin and pimpinellin from the Umbilliferous plant Heracleum laciniatum was carried out by column chromatography, and the structure and absorption spectra for the 5 furocoumarins isolated are described. Photoepicutaneous testing showed the strongest phototoxic effects from bergapten, marked effects from pimpinellin, weak effects from sphondin and none from the others. These in vivo findings were confirmed by the in vitro Candida test. Action spectrum studies demonstrated peak photosensitivity in the range 330–335 nm. bergapten being more than twice as phototoxic as pimpinellin.

Dermatitis herpetiformis and Vitiligo

A 36-year-old woman developed vitiligo in areas with active dermatitis herpetiformis. Both diseases have been associated with autoimmune disorders. However, in the present case the vitiligo is believed to be an isomorphic reaction to the dermatitis herpetiformis lesions.

Pemphigus vulgaris and thymoma. A T-lymphocyte defect?

Krain (1974) reviewed 8 cases of pemphigus associated with thymoma, benign or malignant, and Lynfield, Pertshuck & Zimmerman (1973) a patient with contact dermatitis and pemphigus 13 years after removal of thymoma. There are numerous reports of thymoma connected with other immunological diseases such as myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, erythroid aplasia and even fungal infections (Larsson, 1963: Kough & Barnes, 1964: Burstein, 1974).

In vivo and in vitro phototoxicity of different parts of Heracleum Laciniatum

Experimental phytophotodermatitis was produced using homogenates from different parts of Heracleum laciniatum and long‐wave ultraviolet light. The homogenates of leaves and flowers produced strong phototoxic reactions, fruit slightly less. Stems were either non‐phototoxic or only slightly phototoxic. The roots or young plants did not evoke photosensitivity reactions, whereas the roots of older plants were strongly phototoxic; even roots collected from the frozen ground in December elicited strong reactions. Abdominal and midback skin were more photosensitive than skin of the lateral aspects of the underarms and legs. The in vivo findings were continued in vitro with the Candida albicans test.

Phototoxic and contact toxic reactions of the exocarp of sweet oranges: a common cause of cheilitis?

Irritant skin reactions were produced within 1 h after application of the exocarp of sweet oranges or alchoholic extracts therefrom. Such reactions faded within 48 h. The exocarp. or extracts thereof, induced phototoxic reactions which were strongest at 72 h after exposure. The phototoxic reactions were only induced in natural blondes and only with some oranges.

Trichophyton-rubrum-infected toenails treated with ketoconazole and partial nail avulsion.

30 patients with totally 178 toenails infected with Trichophyton rubrum were randomly treated with ketoconazole alone for 4 months (group A) or in combination with chemical nail avulsion (group B). Of the 14 patients in group A who completed the treatment, 4 (28%) were cured 6 months later, compared to 8 (53%) of 15 patients in group B. In 4 cases, transient elevated hepatofunction enzymes occurred. Gastrointestinal disturbances caused withdrawal in 1 case.

Phototoxicity of Heracleum laciniatum

Phytophotodermatitis from Heracleum laciniatum is described in 2 typical cases. Experimental phytophotodermatitis was produced using homogenates from leaves of the plant and long‐wave ultraviolet light. The homogenates of leaves produced strong phototoxic reactions. The minimal phototoxic erythema dose was determined to be lowest for abdominal and midback skin.