Genetic variation of the cutaneous HPA axis: An analysis of UVB-induced differential responses

• UVB radiation induces the “cutaneous HPA axis” independently of the mouse strain.
• UVB stimulates steroidogenesis in mouse skin independently of the mouse strain.
• Expression of “cutaneous HPA axis” differs between C57BL/6 and DBA/2J strains.
• DBA/2J appears more sensitive in UVB induction of HPA elements than C57BL/6.
• UVB stimulated β-endorphin expression is higher in DBA/2J than in C57BL/6.

Mammalian skin incorporates a local equivalent of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis that is critical in coordinating homeostatic responses against external noxious stimuli. Ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) is a skin-specific stressor that can activate this cutaneous HPA axis. Since C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) strains of mice have different predispositions to sensorineural pathway activation, we quantified expression of HPA axis components at the gene and protein levels in skin incubated ex vivo after UVB or sham irradiation. Urocortin mRNA was up-regulated after all doses of UVB with a maximum level at 50 mJ/cm2 after 12 h for D2 and at 200 mJ/cm2 after 24 h for B6. Proopiomelanocortin mRNA was enhanced after 6 h with the peak after 12 h and at 200 mJ/cm2 for both genotypes of mice. ACTH levels in tissue and media increased after 24 h in B6 but not in D2. UVB stimulated β-endorphin expression was higher in D2 than in B6. Melanocortin receptor 2 mRNA was stimulated by UVB in a dose-dependent manner, with a peak at 200 mJ/cm2 after 12 h for both strains. The expression of Cyp11a1 mRNA — a key mitochondrial P450 enzyme in steroidogenesis, was stimulated at all doses of UVB irradiation, with the most pronounced effect after 12–24 h. UVB radiation caused, independently of genotype, a dose-dependent increase in corticosterone production in the skin, mainly after 24 h of histoculture. Thus, basal and UVB stimulated expression of the cutaneous HPA axis differs as a function of genotype: D2 responds to UVB earlier and with higher amplitude than B6, while B6 shows prolonged (up to 48 h) stress response to a noxious stimulus such as UVB.