The metabolism and function of urocanic acid in skin.

Abstract

Protection against actinic damage constitutes one of the important functions of the epidermis. Among the epidermal constituents which absorb the energy of light are keratin, melanoprotein in the form of melanin granules, nucleic acids, lipids, carotenes and porphyrins (1). Until recently, melanin and the stratum corneum have been the focus of study as photoprotective agents. With the demonstration that the surface of the skin and the epidermis contain large amounts of a water soluble, ultraviolet-absorbing material, interest developed in identifying this compound and elucidating its role in the vital functions of the skin (2).