@article {Gambichler:December 2002:0007-0963:1207,
author = "Gambichler, T.",
author = "Bader, A.",
author = "Vojvodic, M.",
author = "Avermaete, A.",
author = "Schenk, M.",
author = "Altmeyer, P.",
author = "Hoffmann, K.",
title = "Plasma levels of opioid peptides after sunbed exposures",
journal = "British Journal of Dermatology",
volume = "147",
year = "December 2002",
abstract = "Summary Background Previous studies have indicated that solar and artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation have a positive influence on psychological variables such as mood and emotional state. Circulating opioid peptides have been suggested as being important in this effect. Objectives To investigate in a controlled trial the influence of UVA radiation on opioid peptide levels. Methods We determined plasma levels of β-endorphin immunoreactive material (IRM) and met-enkephalin in UV-exposed (n = 35) and non-exposed (n = 9) healthy volunteers. On the first day of the study, blood samples were taken from the volunteers (time A). UVA irradiation was subsequently administered with an air-conditioned tanning device. During the UV exposures the volunteers wore opaque goggles. Twenty minutes after UV exposure, blood samples were collected again (time B). Within the following 3 weeks the volunteers had a series of five UV exposures. On the last day of the study (24 h after the sixth UV exposure) blood samples were collected (time C). The cumulative UVA doses were 96 J cm−2 for skin type II and 126 J cm−2 for skin type III. The controls had no UV exposures. Plasma β-endorphin IRM and met-enkephalin levels were determined using radioimmunoassays. Results At all times of blood collection (A, B, C), there were no significant differences in plasma levels of β-endorphin IRM and met-enkephalin between UV-exposed and non-exposed volunteers (P > 0·05). Conclusions UVA irradiation does not significantly elevate plasma levels of β-endorphin IRM and met-enkephalin. Therefore we suggest that psychological benefits claimed to occur after UV exposure are unlikely to be mediated by the types of circulating opioid peptides measured in this study.",
pages = "1207-1211(5)",
url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/bjd/2002/00000147/00000006/art00018"
doi = "doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04859.x"
}