The pig as an experimental animal model of percutaneous permeation in man: qualitative and quantitative...

The pig has been a well-recognized experimental animal in biomedical research for many centuries. Physiological and anatomical similarities between man and pig made this animal a good model for man in many research areas. Pharmacological and toxicological research on the skin is often based on knowledge of skin absorption and percutaneous permeation. Anatomical, physiological and biochemical similarities are cited and various uses of the pig as a model for man in the investigation of skin permeation are reviewed. Further, several isolated organ models are reviewed. The importance of full details of the experimental animal, namely its age, sex, breed, size (weight) and body region, is emphasized.