Phototoxicology and Photocarcinogenesis at the U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationOs National Center for Toxicological Research
PAUL C. HOWARD 1*, REEDER L. SAMS II 1, JOHN R. BUCHER 2 AND WILLIAM T. ALLABEN 1
1. National Toxicology Program Center for Phototoxicology, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079
2. National Toxicology Program, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
§The contents of this manuscript do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. The mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
(Received: October 3, 2002; Accepted: November 11, 2002)
ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes skin cancer in humans and can induce skin cancer in test animals. The interaction of UVR with many drugs has been reported, however, there is a paucity of data concerning the carcinogenesis of cosmetic ingredients and environmental contaminants in combination with UVR. A research center has been developed at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's National Center for Toxicological Research to quantify the potential carcinogenicity of combined exposure to chemicals and UVR. The chemicals tested in this facility are nominated to, and approved by, the National Toxicology Program. In this paper we describe the nomination of chemicals, test animals, source of UVR, dosimetry, and test paradigm that are used. This unique test facility is being used to protect public health through quantifying the photocarcinogenicity of chemicals to which the public is exposed.
Keywords: Phototoxicology, photocarcinogenesis, simulated solar light, SKH-1 hairless mice