Minimum Erythematous Dose Assay: A Method for Measuring UV Sensitivity in Mouse Models

Abstract

Source: Amaro-Ortiz, A. et al. Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model. J. Vis. Exp. (2013)

This video describes a method to measure UV sensitivity in a humanized mouse model—a mouse model that mimics human skin. We determine the minimal erythematous dose (MED) of UV radiation that can cause erythema or edema on the skin. The method can help to find out the efficacy of drugs used to reduce UV sensitivity.

Protocol

All procedures involving animals have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board. Determination of UV Sensitivity by Calculation of "Minimal Erythematous Dose" (MED) Use animals that have been pre-treated with either vehicle or forskolin. Anesthetize animals with intraperitoneal injection of a standard mixture of ketamine and xylazine. Prepare a piece of UV-occlusive tape for…

Representative Results

Figure 1. Forskolin-induced melanization protects against UV-mediated inflammation as determined by minimal erythematous dose (MED) testing. (A,B) Position of UV occlusive tape and UVB doses of animals treated twice daily for 5 days (A,C) or once daily for 15 days (B,D,E) with either vehicle or forskolin. The last topical treatment was applied 48 hr prior to irra…

Materials

Xylazine	Anased Injection	LA04612	Shenandoah, Iowa, USA
Ketamine HCl, USP	Putney	NDC 26637-411-01	St. Joseph, MO, USA
Ethanol	Decon Labs.	2705
Depilatory cream, Nair	Church Dwight	JF-11 4381322	Priceton, NJ
Germicidal Hg Lamp UV-B	Westinghouse	F15T8UV-B
Radiometer photometer	International light	1LT400A	Peabody, MA,USA
Isothesia, Isoflurane , USP	Butler Schein	NCD 11695-6776-1	Dublin, OH, USA
Chromameter	Konica Minolta	CR-400	Ramsey, NJ, USA
Data Processor for Chromameter CR-400	Konica Minolta	DR-400	Ramsey, NJ, USA