Figure 4.

UVB-induced galectin-7 overexpression occurs in TUNEL-positive apoptotic keratinocytes. Skins reconstructed in vitro were UVB-irradiated (700 J/m²). Eight hours (A–C) or 24 hr (D–F) after irradiation, samples were labeled by using a combined method of TUNEL reaction (green) and galectin-7 immunostaining (red) on the same section. Double detection (A and D), TUNEL reaction (B and E), and galectin-7 immunostaining (C and F). Arrows indicate cells that display simultaneously a TUNEL-positive nucleus as well as a strong immunostaining for galectin-7. The intensity of the galectin-7 immunostaining is lower at 8 hr than at 24 hr after irradiation. Note the very important DNA fragmentation and the presence of numerous apoptotic bodies 24 hr after UVB irradiation. Dotted lines indicate the junction between epidermis and the dermal equivalent. (Bar: 25 μm.)