EFFECT OF SOLUBLE COMPLEMENT RECEPTOR-TYPE 1 ON PORPHYRIN-INDUCED PHOTOTOXICITY IN GUINEA-PIGS

The effect of recombinant human soluble complement receptor type 1 (sC R1) on the porphyrin-mediated phototoxic reaction was evaluated in gui nea pigs. Phototoxicity was induced in the animals by intraperitoneal injection of hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD), followed by irradiation at a wavelength range of 320 - 450 nm. sCR1 administration decreased CH50 titers in a dose-dependent fashion, while it only moderately supp ressed HpD/radiation-induced ear swelling at a high dose. These findin gs suggest that phototoxic dermatological changes in cutaneous porphyr ias are not solely due to complement activation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sci ence S.A.