Photoimmunological and Photobiological Action of Infrared Radiation

While ultraviolet radiation alters various cutaneous cell functions, little is known about photo-immunological and photobiological effects of infrared radiation (IR) on the skin except its local thermal effects. The fIrst part of this study demonstrated that single exposure of mouse skin to near IR (0.7 - 1.3 $\mu$m) reversibly suppressed the proliferating activity of the epidermis, the density of Langerhans cells, and the ability of skin to induce contact hypersensitivity reaction. The second part demonstrated that the rate of wound closure was significantly accelerated by repeated exposures in animal models. The production of transforming growth factor-$\beta$l and matrix metalloproteinase-2, which are responsible for the wound healing processes, was significantly upregulated by irradiation, as shown by enzyme immunoassay, zymography, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Thermal controls were negative. The results suggest that near-IR irradiation can modulate the epidermal proliferation and part of the skin immune system, and stimulate the wound healing processes, presumably by non-thermal effects.