mRNA expression of multiple cytochrome P450 isozymes in four types of cultured skin cells

Background. Many drugs are known to induce allergic reactions in the skin. The metabolic activation of drugs resulting in the formation of protein adducts is thought to be a first step in the induction of these allergic reactions. We postulated that dermal tissue might be a site of drug activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes. Methods: Messenger RNA was extracted from cultured Langerhans cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and melanocytes from 6 individuals, and CYP mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: CYP1A1, 1131 and 2E1 were found in all four cell types. CYP2A6, 2C, 2D6, 3A5, 3A7 and 4131 mRNA was expressed in a cell-type- and/or individual-specific manner. CYP1A2, 2A7, 2136 and 3A4 mRNA was not detectable. Conclusions: The mRNA for a variety of CYP isozymes was expressed in all four types of skin cells examined. These CYP enzymes may be involved in the pathogenesis of drug-induced allergic reactions in the skin. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.