Cytotoxicity assays using artificial skin are proposed as alternative methods for in vitro tests to minimize animals used in ocular and dermal irritation testing. The responses of the artificial skins were studied to a well-characterized chemical irritant, such as toluene, glutaraldehyde and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and a nonirritant, such as polyethylene glycol. The evaluation of irritating and nonirritating test chemicals was also compared with responses seen in human dermal fibroblasts and human epidermal keratinocytes grown in monolayer culture. The responses monitored included the MTT mitochondrial functionality assay. In order to better understand the local mechanisms involved in skin damage and repair, the productions of several mitogenic proinflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1α (IL-1α), 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were investigated. Dose-dependent increases in the levels of IL-1α and HETEs were observed in the underlying medium of the skin systems exposed to two skin irritants, glutaraldehyde and SLS. The results of the present study show that both human artificial skins can be used as efficient testing models for the evaluation of skin toxicity in vitro and for screening the contact skin irritancy in vitro.

Keywords:
Artificial skin, Cutaneous toxicity, Interleukin-1α (IL-1α), Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), Proinflammatory mediator
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel
2000
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.