Chronic exposure to solar radiation leads to pathological aging of the skin (photoaging) and is one of the principal etiological factors of skin cancer.
For the present experiment, twenty SKH-1 mice were exposed to ultraviolet radiation three times a week for 60 min (a total of 80 sessions). The areas exposed to radiation were subsequently examined macroscopically and microscopically.
All the experimental animals developed malignant neoplasias (skin carcinomas) as well as signs typical of photoaging.
Given the great similarity between the lesions found in the experimental animals and those appearing in human skin following extensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, we consider this model suitable for the study of photoaging and photocarcinogenesis and for the assessment of antioxidants and photoprotectors.