Abstract
It is likely that the UV rays will affect the epidermis of mammals. All these negative effects justify the studies on the relation between the UV rays and epidermis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural effects of ultraviolet C radiation (UVC) on the stratum corneum of mole rats epidermis. Mole rats were divided into two as the control and experiment groups. The control group did not receive any radiation while the other groups were irradiated with UV radiation for 52, 112 and 168 h. The skin samples were prepared and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. After the examination, stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum and stratum corneum layers were distinguished. The most drastic effects of UVC were noted in stratum corneum. Lacunae formations and unkeratinized cytoplasmic residues were observed within the horny cells. Depending on dosage and exposal period of the UVC radiation, ultrastructural changes occurred in the stratum corneum on mole rats epidermis. Keywords: Ultraviolet radiation, Ultrastructure, Dermis, Stratum corneum, Mole rats