Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;4(1):10-16
Introduction: Photodynamic therapy destroys target cells by directly harming them, injuring the vascular stroma, and activating the immune system.
Objective: To study photoaged skin''''''''s immune response to photodynamic therapy.
Methods: Thirteen female patients underwent three treatment sessions with delta 5-aminolevulinic acid combined with 630 nm diode light. The immunohistochemical response of the skin''''''''s immune system was evaluated using the markers anti-CD1a, anti-CD4+,
anti-CD8+, anti-TNFa, anti-IFNy and anti-IL4 before, 24 hours after the first session, and 21 days after the third session.
Results: At the final evaluation, patients demonstrated a decrease in CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes, an increase in interleukin-4 in the epidermis and dermis, and a reduction and an increase of TNF-a in the epidermis and dermis, respectively. The Langerhans cell and INF-y populations remained unchanged.
Conclusion: Regarding the immune system, photodynamic therapy did not cause changes in Langerhans cells; therefore, there was little local immunosuppression. CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte apoptosis was observed, suggesting that photodynamic therapy can be useful in treating inflammatory diseases. The changes in TNF-a and an increase of IL4 in the dermis and epidermis suggest a humoral type response, which was also evidenced by the absence of INFy.
Keywords: PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY, AMINOLEVULINIC ACID , SKIN AGING
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