The main objective of our study was to investigate skin function and structure in human volunteers after electrical current application in order to demonstrate the safety of iontophoresis in vivo. The direct current was applied for 30 min at a density of 0.1 and 0.2 mA/cm2. Iontophoresis increased cutaneous blood flow as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). This increase was reversible within 1 h and was more pronounced at higher current density. Measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and LDF were the same at the cathode and the anode sites. Except for 5 min at 0.2 mA/cm2 density, TEWL values were not enhanced as compared to control values (no iontophoresis). Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the stratum corneum structure showed a transient increase (30 min) in hydra-tion after electrode application for 30 min. No alteration in lipid structure could be shown. These results augur the safety of drug delivery by iontophoresis.

Keywords:
Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transepidermal water loss, Laser Doppler flowmetry, Stratum corneum, Skin, Iontophoresis
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
1995
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.