Increase of plasma sialic acid upon UV-B irradiation in mouse.

In many inflammatory conditions including burns, the plasma sialic acid level rises as an acute responder. Sunburn is a kind of burn. In this study, sunburn was experimentally caused in mice by UV-B irradiation and their plasma sialic acid levels were measured. The levels increased, and reached the maximum 3 d after irradiation. This level was maintained for about 2 d, then it returned to normal within about one week. The increase in the level correlated with the UV dose and the severity of inflammation resulting in sunburn. This assay system was applied to assess the virtue of UV-cut cream in experimental sunburn.