Ultrastructural effects of ultraviolet C radiation on the stratum basale of mole rats epidermis

The ultrastructure of the epidermis of mole rats (Spalax leucodon) was studied after irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light (λmax = 254 nm; 0.00147 J cm−2 s−1; for periods of 52, 112 and 168 h) by using transmission electron microscope (TEM). After irradiation, Vacuolation in cytoplasm and mitochondria, and wrinkled nucleus were found in the stratum basal cells. Also, pathological aggregations of tonofilaments are formed in the desmosomes in these cells. These findings clearly demonstrated the harmful effects of ultraviolet C radiation on the stratum basale. The degree of pathological changes occurred depending on exposure time and radiation dosage applied.