Stimulation of human keratinocyte growth by alginate oligosaccharides, a possible co-factor for epidermal growth factor in cell culture

Oligosaccharides, involved in regulation of plant developmental and defensive processes, were tested to determine their ability to enhance proliferation of human keratinocytes. A mixture of alginate oligosaccharides remarkably stimulated keratinocyte growth and [3H]thymidine uptake in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). The activity was comparable to bovine pituitary extract, a common complement in keratinocyte culture, and additive on BPE-induced stimulation. The most effective oligosaccharide in the mixture was identified and its chemical structure was determined. These findings demonstrate a novel activity of alginate oligosaccharide(s) in keratinocyte growth and suggest a possible co-factor for EGF-dependent stimulation in medium for keratinocytes.

Processing of cathepsins L, B and D in psoriatic epidermis

Proteinase activity is increased in psoriatic epidermis. To elucidate the involvement of enzymes in psoriatic epidermis, the expression of cathepsins, L, B and D was investigated by Western blotting and immunohistological studies. Normal epidermis contained abundant inactive precursors (39 kDa) of cathepsins L and B and an inactive intermediate form (45 kDa) of cathepsin D. Cathepsin L in psoriasis was processed to a variable extent from the precursor to a single-chain form (30 kDa) and a mixture of single- and heavy-chain (25 kDa) forms of the active mature enzyme, corresponding to the immunohistological staining patterns 'diffuse dense', 'small granular', and unevenly distributed 'condensed granular'. Cathepsin B showed a mixture of precursor form (39 kDa) and single-chain (30 kDa) forms and was expressed as a 'diffuse dense' staining pattern in the mid-spinous layer and as a 'condensed' pattern in the upper spinous and granular layers. Cathepsin D was processed to the heavy-chain (31 kDa) form of activated mature enzyme with small granular staining and a mixture of heavy-chain and degraded protein (28 kDa) with larger and more condensed granular staining. The distribution patterns of 'small granular' cathepsin L, and of cathepsins B and D expression in suprabasal keratinocytes were very similar to that of involucrin. After complete clinical resolution of psoriasis by 8-methoxypsoralen plus UVA treatment, the expression of the three cathepsins was normalized. These results suggest that cathepsins L, B and D in forms activated to a variable extent may be involved in the pathology of psoriasis.

Cathepsin B and D expression in squamous cell carcinoma

To elucidate involvement of proteinases in malignancy of keratinocytes, expression of cathepsin B, a cysteine proteinase, and cathepsin D, an aspartic proteinase, was ascertained in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of normal skin, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Bowen's disease, seborrhoeic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Presence of procathepsin B and an intermediate form of cathepsin D was confirmed by Western blotting and enzyme activity analysis. Cathepsin B stained more intensely in SCC tumour cells than in normal epidermis; staining patterns were diffuse, granular or both. Diffuse and granular patterns (procathepsin B and mature enzyme, respectively) appeared in inner and outer parts of tumour islands, respectively. Five of 20 cases of Bowen's disease showed diffuse enhanced cathepsin B expression; 20 cases of seborrhoeic keratosis or BCC did not. Cathepsin D stained intensely in tumour cells of half the SCC cases. The staining manner and distribution of cathepsins B and D was similar in the cytoplasm of cancer cells. No enhanced staining of cathepsin D was seen in any cases of Bowen's disease, seborrhoeic keratosis, or BCC. Coexistence and localization of active mature forms of cathepsins B and D suggests that cooperation between the two enzymes may play an important part in invasion of SCC.

Photosensitivity from pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6)

We describe a 35-year-old female patient with photosensitivity due to pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) in a multivitamin over-the-counter preparation. Photopatch and oral photochallenge tests using pyridoxine hydrochloride and UVA irradiation were positive. Larger doses for therapeutic use could cause photosensitivity.

Photosensitivity induced by fleroxacin

A case of photosensitivity induced by fleroxacin (FLRX) is reported. A 71-year-old man had erythema on sun-exposed areas after 5 months FLRX treatment for prostatitis. The minimal erythema dose to UVA was reduced at the initial examination and became normal 4 weeks after he stopped taking FLRX. Oral photo-challenge with FLRX 100 mg was positive, but photopatch testing was negative. Fleroxacin (FLRX), in use since 1992, is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial derived from quinoline. Photosensitivity induced by FLRX is not uncommon, but a photobiological study has not been reported. The mechanism of action of photosensitivity induced by the fluoroquinolones is considered to be phototoxic in origin in that in vitro technique studies are positive. FLRX, a quinoline derivative may be a photosensitizer as well as enoxacin, lomefloxacin and sparfloxacin.

Prurigo pigmentosa, ketonemia and diabetes mellitus

The etiology of prurigo pigmentosa still remains unknown. We present a 16-year-old female patient with ketonemia caused by diabetes mellitus. The eruption subsided when blood glucose and total ketone levels were controlled by subcutaneous insulin injection. We propose that ketonemia caused by diabetes mellitus may play a role in the pathogenesis of prurigo pigmentosa.

Tinea pedis in members of the Japanese Self-defence Forces: relationships of its prevalence and its severity with length of military service and width of interdigital spaces

We examined the relationship between prevalence and severity of tinea pedis and the length of service and the width of the spaces between the toes in 74 members of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (SDF) undergoing special training. The subjects were divided according to the width of these spaces into: group I, wide; group II, fairly wide; and group III, closed. The severity of tinea pedis was determined by its duration and the extent of the lesions in the 49 subjects who had tinea pedis. The combined prevalence of tinea pedis and tinea unguium was 66%. There was a tendency for the prevalence to be higher in subjects who had served for 10 years or more in the SDF than in those with fewer than 10 years of service. Classified by the disposition of their toes, 10 subjects fell into group I, 34 into group II, and 30 into group III. The prevalence of 90% (27/30) in group III was significantly higher than in the other groups. A significant positive correlation was seen between length of SDF service and severity. Subjects with both a long service record and closed interdigital spaces showed both a high prevalence and marked severity.

Rat epidermal cathepsin L-like proteinase: purification and some hydrolytic properties toward filaggrin and synthetic substrates

We have purified cathepsin L-like proteinase from rat epidermis, determined its NH2-terminal amino acid sequence, and investigated its proteolytic activities on an intermediate filament-associated protein filaggrin and several synthetic substrates. The amino acid sequence of its NH2-terminus was determined to be Val-Pro-Asn-Ser-Leu-Asp-Trp-Arg-Glu-Lys-Gly-Tyr-Val-Thr-Pro-, which differed from that of rat cathepsin L and was not found in the amino acid sequence data bank. The enzyme consisted of a single-chain form with M(r) 30,000. Its hydrolytic properties toward synthetic substrates were similar to those of cathepsin L in other tissues. The enzyme effectively proteolyzed rat epidermal filaggrin into small fragments at pH 4.0-6.0 and was inhibited by a specific cysteine proteinase inhibitor, N-[N-(L-3-trans-carboxyoxirane-2-carbonyl)L-leucyl]-agmatin. However, cathepsins D and E from rat epidermis did not hydrolyze filaggrin. This study demonstrated that filaggrin was susceptible to degradation by rat epidermal cathepsin L-like proteinase, suggesting that this proteolytic activity may have relevance to skin differentiation, in which acid proteases are thought to participate.

Detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA in maternal breast milk from a mother with herpes zoster

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from maternal breast milk of a post-partum mother with chickenpox.

OBJECTIVES

We tried to decide the route of VZV contamination to maternal milk.

CASE REPORT

A 22-year-old woman developed herpes zoster on her right Th3-4 dermatome.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

VZV DNA was detected by PCR from peripheral blood and the maternal milk of the right breast, but not from the maternal milk of the left breast. These results suggest that VZV in maternal milk may not derive from VZV-infected mononuclear cells in peripheral blood, but from the VZV-infected epitheliums of the lacteal gland.

Exanthem subitum (roseola infantum) with vesicular lesions

We report a 7-month-old boy who developed vesicular lesions during the course of exanthem subitum. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA was detected both in the skin lesions and in the throat, by polymerase chain reaction. IgG and IgM antibodies against HHV-6 were 1:10 and < 1:10, respectively on the tenth day of the illness, and > 1:640 and 1:10 on the twenty-second day, respectively. These results suggest that this was primary HHV-6 infection.

Rat epidermal cathepsin B: purification and characterization of proteolytic properties toward filaggrin and synthetic substrates

The aim of this study was to purify epidermal cathepsin B from rat skin and investigate its proteolytic activities on filaggrin and several synthetic substrates. The molecular weight of purified monomeric cathepsin B was estimated to be 30 kDa by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amino acid composition, similar to that of liver cathepsin B, indicated the enzyme to be an acidic protease. The enzyme had strong hydrolytic activity toward N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-L-arginyl-L-arginine-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (Z-Arg-Arg-MCA) (152 mU/mg) and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-arginine-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (424 mU/mg), but had no proteolytic activity toward L-arginine-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin. The Km value for Z-Arg-Arg MCA was 0.34 mM and pH optimum was 5.5. Cathepsin B degraded rat epidermal filaggrin into small fragments at pH 4.0 and 5.5., and was inhibited by a specific cysteine proteinase inhibitor, N-[N-(L-3-trans-carboxyoxirane-2-carbonyl)L-leucyl]- agmatin. This study demonstrated that filaggrin was susceptible to degradation by cathepsin B. Such an action may have relevance to skin differentiation in which acid proteases are thought to participate.

Tinea pedis survey in members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces undergoing ranger training

The conditions surrounding tinea pedis infection were surveyed--the degrees of infection and of aggravation attendant upon training, and the skin temperature within the leather boots of members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces undergoing winter and summer ranger training. Before winter training, tinea pedis was diagnosed in 8 of the 15 subjects. The mean atmospheric temperature was 7.1 degrees C, the total precipitation, 23 mm, and the mean skin temperature of the feet during training, 33.7 degrees C. After training, 1 further subject had contracted tinea pedis, 5 of the 8 showed slight aggravation, and 3 showed no change. Before summer training, tinea pedis was found in 9 of another 15 subjects. The mean atmospheric temperature was 20.0 degrees C, total rainfall, 353 mm, and the mean skin temperature of the feet during training, 36.6 degrees C. After the training, aggravation had occurred in 3 of the 9, and slight aggravation in the other 6. In these 9, vesiculation, pustules and erosion were seen, so that summer training had a more severe effect than winter training. Investigation of the predisposing factors for tinea pedis due to the wearing of boots and shoes is considered extremely important for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Lymphocutaneous nocardiosis with multiple subcutaneous nodules distributed over the extensor aspect of the forearm. Report of a case

We report a case of lymphocutaneous nocardiosis due to Nocardia brasiliensis, marked by multiple subcutaneous nodules and abscesses on the extensor aspect of the left forearm in a 53-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus. Nine months before she was first examined, she had fallen on a concrete surface. A nodule had appeared 2 months later at the same site and had expanded and been followed by others, which finally covered most of the extensor aspect of the forearm. We speculated that the bacteria may have been conveyed retrogradely via the lymph vessels in a distal direction, perhaps as a result of the trauma and the subsequent development of an intradermal lesion.

A new approach to the evaluation of broad-spectrum sunscreens against ultraviolet and visible light-induced delayed tanning

Protection against UV and visible light-induced delayed tanning (DT) and immediate tanning (IT) of two broad-spectrum sunscreens with the same sun protection factor was investigated. Protection factors (PFs) against DT (24 h and 7 days) of the sunscreens differed significantly, but PFs against IT did not. This study indicates that using PF against 24 h DT is more appropriate for an evaluation of broad-spectrum sunscreens against UVA and visible light than IT.

Male genital herpes complicated with urethral infection

A 26-year-old man had a primary infection or reinfection of genital herpes due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 complicated with herpetic urethritis. By analysis of the restriction endonuclease digestion pattern of the viral DNA, two isolates, one from the penile lesion and one from the urethra, were identified as the same strain.

A case of sporotrichosis treated successfully with oral fluconazole 200 mg once weekly

A case of fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis that developed on the extensor aspect of the left wrist of an 83-year-old woman was treated once a week with 200 mg of oral fluconazole. This dermatological lesion healed within 4 months, leaving a scar. No side-effects were seen. At the time of writing, 7 months after the end of treatment, there has been no recurrence. Reports on the efficacy of once-weekly fluconazole administration in cases of sporotrichosis have appeared, but it would be valuable to study more such cases.

The relationship among minimal erythema dose, minimal delayed tanning dose, and skin color

The relationship among minimal erythema dose (MED), minimal delayed tanning dose (MDTD), and skin color was examined in 16 healthy volunteers using three different spectra. The subjects were exposed to UVB, UVA+B, and UV+Visible light (UV+Visible) with a xenon arc solar simulator as a light source. The MEDs for UVB and UVA+B were less than the MDTDs, whereas the MED for UV+Visible was higher than the MDTD. There was no significant correlation between the MED and the MDTD for UVB or UVA+B. The MED for UV+Visible was significantly correlated to the MDTD (p < 0.01). Skin color significantly correlated with MEDs for UVB and UVA+B (p < 0.01), but not for UV+Visible. There was no significant correlation between skin color and the MDTD for any spectra. From these results, it is suggested that the relationship between erythemal and melanogenic responses is dependent on spectral bands of the light source and that skin color is a predictor of UV-induced erythema.

The relationship of sun protection factor to minimal erythema dose, Japanese skin type, and skin color

The relationship of sun protection factor (SPF) to minimal erythema dose (MED), Japanese skin type, and skin color was investigated on the unexposed backs of 48 healthy subjects. SPF of a UVB-sunscreen was determined using sun lamps as a light source. A significant correlation was found between SPF and MED; subjects with lower MED showed higher SPF. The average SPF decreased with increasing skin type. There was no significant correlation between SPF and skin color (L*a*b* color system).

Hyperthermic treatment of chromomycosis with disposable chemical pocket warmers. Report of a successfully treated case, with a review of the literature

A case of chromomycosis in which hyperthermia proved effective is reported. The patient was a 56-year-old male bean curd maker who, without any previous history of minor trauma, developed on the extensor side of the left upper arm an eczematous lesion that underwent gradual radial expansion. The lesion showed a well-defined, 7 x 10 cm infiltrated erythematous plaque with the central area healed and, at the upper and lower borders, adherent scales and crusts on the surface. Histological examination revealed granulomatous changes in the dermis, as well as sclerotic cells within giant cells and microabscesses. On culturing, Fonsecaea pedrosoi was isolated. The patient was treated with disposable chemical pocket warmers, which were secured over the lesion with a rather tight elastic bandage, so that they kept the affected area warm for 24 hours a day. After a month of such hyperthermic treatment, the erythema and infiltration had decreased considerably, and microscopic examination and culture of the crusts both yielded negative results. Examination of biopsy specimens of the lesion after the third month showed that it had cicatrized. The treatment was stopped after 4 months, and no relapse occurred. We also summarize the published results of local hyperthermic treatment of chromomycosis in Japan.

Early hepatic lesions with marked glandular structures induced in rats by 0.1% ethionine in a choline deficient diet

Early hepatic lesions in rats fed ethionine plus a choline deficient (ECD) diet were examined histopathologically. The purpose of this experiment was to examine preventive and suppressive effects of drugs on fatty or cirrhotic liver induced by ECD, but contrary to our expectations, all groups except the normal diet group showed neoplastic lesions in the liver. Macroscopically, milky-white nodules were seen in most all the rats except for a few dead ones. Microscopically, the characteristic lesions consisted of neoplastic nodules, glandular structures and oval cell hyperplasia. The glandular structures were already present in a rat that died on day 34 of administration and showed neoplastic developmental structures morphologically similar to cholangiofibroma. The neoplastic nodules appeared later than the glandules and were observed in rats that died after day 42. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatic lesions consisting of mainly glandular structures induced by an ECD diet.

Systemic phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala dermatitidis

We report a case of systemic phaeohyphomycosis due to Exophiala dermatitidis in a 24-year-old man. At the age of 17, the patient had noticed cervical swellings. On palpation at his initial examination, more than a dozen firm lymph nodes between 1 and 5 cm in diameter were found on both sides of the neck and in both axillae. Examination of biopsy specimens of lymph nodes revealed pale brown hyphae in granulomatous lesions and Exophiala dermatitidis was isolated from mycological cultures of the local tissues. The clinical course was marked by an episode of jaundice six months later, and surgery disclosed a fist-sized inflammatory mass in the region of the head of the pancreas and the duodenum. The patient was treated by providing external biliary drainage and by the administration of antifungal agents, but two years later complained of diplopia and a slight heaviness in the head. Computed tomographic scans were made of the head, revealing multiple plum-sized masses in the brain. The patient died a year later. In Japan, 10 cases of systemic infection by this organism (including the present one) have been reported, all in patients of up to 30 years of age, with lesions appearing in the brain, lung, liver, digestive organs and lymph nodes. The prognosis is grave.

Hyperthermic treatment of sporotrichosis: experimental use of infrared and far infrared rays

We used pocket warmers and infrared and far infrared rays to treat 14 cases of sporotrichosis, 7 in children and 7 in adults. There were 9 cases of the fixed cutaneous type and 5 of the lymphocutaneous type; 6 were located on the face and 8 on the limbs. Four cases were treated with pocket warmers, 5 with infrared rays, and 5 with far infrared rays. All lesions treated with pocket warmers were facial lesions in children; infrared and far infrared ray treatments were used in 3 children and 7 adults, 2 on facial lesions and 8 on lesions on the extremities. In treatments with infrared and far infrared rays, the amount of heat was greater than with the pocket warmers, and one 15-min treatment daily was sufficient to yield satisfactory results, but this method is difficult to use on children and on the face, and 40-min treatments two or three times a week proved unsatisfactory. Infrared and far infrared ray treatments allow the length of a single treatment to be reduced by three-quarters, in comparison with one pocket warmer treatment.

Immunocytochemical and morphometric studies on the effects of dehydration on vasopressin-secreting cells in the hypothalamus of the Mongolian gerbils

Effects of dehydration on vasopressin-secreting cells (VP cells) of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the Mongolian gerbils were studied immunocytochemically and morphometrically. The plasma osmolality was measured at the time of sacrifice of individual animals and the body weight was measured every day during dehydration. The plasma osmolality increased significantly on day 3 of dehydration, followed by a gradual increase to reach nearly its equibilium state on day 10. The body weight decreased rapidly until day 10, followed by a gradual decrease thereafter. The area of VP cells increased significantly in both the SON and PVN on day 1 of dehydration, the level being nearly the same until days 3 to 5 and going up on day 7 to reach the plateau after day 15. These findings seem to reflect a compensation mechanism between the volume of body fluid and the plasma osmolality and to reflect responses of VP cells to the osmotic stimuli. Electron microscopic observation revealed that, at the beginning and late stages of dehydration, the increase in the area of VP cells was in parallel with the expansion of the Golgi area and with the distension of cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Angiokeratoma of the clitoris: a subtype of angiokeratoma vulvae

A 24-year-old married woman had an angiokeratoma of the vulva measuring 3 x 3 x 4 mm localized at the clitoris. The nodule was noticed when she was pregnant with her first child. This tumor grew with occasional tenderness and bleeding during pregnancy, but its size did not change after delivery. The growth of this tumor might be attributable to an increase in venous pressure or serum progesterone levels; therefore this disorder might be classified as a subtype of angiokeratoma of the vulva. This is the first case of angiokeratoma localized at the clitoris.

The comparison of sun protection factor values with different light sources

Sun protection factors (SPFs) were evaluated with three light sources (sunlight, a xenon arc solar simulator, and fluorescent lamps) in indoor and outdoor studies. Two types of light, UV-A+B and UV+Visible, were obtained from the solar simulator. The untanned backs of twenty-four healthy male volunteers were used as test sites. A broad spectrum sunscreen containing SPF 6, according to the manufacturer, was used. The sunscreen tested was applied at 2 mg/cm2. The actual SPF values were 4.8 with sunlight, 6.0 with UV-A+B, 4.9 with UV+Visible, and 11.8 with fluorescent lamps. There were no significant differences between the SPF values with sunlight and those with the solar simulator; the SPF value for fluorescent lamps was significantly higher. The SPF with UV-A+B of the solar simulator was similar to that with sunlight; the use of this light served to reduce pain on tested subjects. Therefore, UV-A+B from the solar simulator seems to be the most appropriate artificial light source for evaluating sunscreens.

Long-term effects of steroid treatment on nephrotic syndrome associated with Kimura's disease and a review of the literature

A 68-year-old Japanese male (Case 1) and a 59-year-old Japanese male immigrant to Brazil (Case 2) who suffered from subcutaneous eosinophilic lymphoid granuloma (Kimura's disease) of several years duration, developed nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy demonstrated membranous nephropathy in Case 1 and minimal-change lesion in Case 2. Both patients were treated with prednisolone for several months. There was complete remission of nephrotic syndrome in eight years in Case 1 and in three months in Case 2. Proteinuria did not reappear after remission of nephrotic syndrome in either case. In contrast subcutaneous tumors subsided in both cases during steroid treatment but again became active immediately following discontinuation of the drug. These clinical observations suggest that, though some common factor(s) might mediate the development of both skin and renal lesions, the mechanism of action on these two target organs may differ, perhaps serving only as a "trigger" for the initiating mechanism of renal disease.

Localized cutaneous nocardiosis in Japan. A new case

We report a case of localized cutaneous nocardiosis due to Nocardia asteroides, appearing on the anterior surface of the right forearm of a 29-year-old woman. Examination of the skin revealed a firm subcutaneous nodule measuring 32 x 20 mm and accompanied with a small ulcer. The histology of the lesion showed granulomatous changes interspersed with large numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. On Gram staining, a few bacillary bodies were found scattered through the lesion, but no grains were detected. The classification of the clinical types of cutaneous nocardiosis is discussed, and the Japanese literature on localized cutaneous nocardiosis is examined.

Tissue response in sporotrichosis: light and electron microscopy studies

On the basis of electron microscopy examination of human tissue affected by sporotrichosis, we have proposed a classification, at the light microscopy level, of fungal cells in tissue. Light and electron microscopy observations clarified the following five points: (1) in sporotrichosis lesions in man, the fungal cells are frequently phagocytized by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs); (2) phagocytosis of phagocytes by other phagocytes was common, and giant cells phagocytized both fungal cells and PMNs; (3) fungal cells in the tissues of lesions were thought to be highly viable, and their budding was frequently observed within macrophages and giant cells; (4) it was highly probable that PMNs participated in asteroid body formation; (5) few free fungal cells were present in the tissues. We believe that the classification of fungal cells in sporotrichosis tissue into the five categories below is useful for correctly understanding the pathological condition in a sporotrichosis lesion: (1) fungal cells in PMNs, (2) fungal cells in PMNs within macrophages, (3) fungal cells in macrophages, (4) fungal cells in giant cells, and (5) free fungal cells.

Tinea of the eyebrow showing kerion celsi reaction: report of one case

A case of dermatophytosis showing a kerion celsi reaction in the eyebrow of a forty-seven-year-old woman is reported. The causative organism was Trichophyton rubrum. Direct mycologic examination revealed endothrix parasitism within the shafts of the infected hairs, and the trichophytin test gave positive results. Histologic examination of the lesion revealed marked inflammatory infiltration in the dermis, and numerous arthroconidia within the hair shafts. The symptoms disappeared almost entirely after oral treatment with itraconazole for three weeks. In view of the rarity of tinea of the eyebrow, some comments are appended.

Inhibition spectra of solar urticaria: a case report and a review of the Japanese cases

A 34-year-old Japanese female with solar urticaria is described, who had an episode of urticarial response when she was exposed to indoor fluorescent light first and sunlight later. The action spectrum was found to range from 480 to 520 nm with an inhibition spectrum above 650 nm in the visible light by both postirradiation and preirradiation. Injection of in vitro-irradiated serum did not produce an urticarial wheal on the patient. In the Japanese literature, 17 cases of solar urticaria with inhibition spectra have been reported. The wavelength of the inhibition spectrum was longer than that of the action spectrum in each case.