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Effect of selective lipid extraction from different body regions on epidermal barrier function
N A Monteiro-Riviere1, A O Inman, V Mak
1Center for Cutaneous Toxicology and Residue Pharmacology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA. Nancy_Monteiro@ncsu.edu
Pharmaceutical Research
|August 11, 2001
Summary
Selective lipid extraction in pigs significantly increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), similar to tape stripping. This suggests biochemical alteration of epidermal lipids could enhance topical drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The skin's barrier function relies on epidermal lipids.
- Understanding lipid extraction effects is crucial for topical drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how selective lipid extraction and tape stripping impact transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- To assess these effects across three distinct body regions in pigs.
Main Methods:
- Lipid extraction using three solvent stages or tape stripping on Yorkshire pigs.
- Analysis of TEWL, erythema, and edema at 0, 6, and 24 hours.
- Quantification of extracted lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides) via chromatography.
Main Results:
- Increased TEWL was observed with progressive lipid extraction stages, particularly on the back.
- Lipid extraction effects on TEWL were comparable to repeated tape stripping across all body sites.
- Extraction stages removed specific lipids reproducibly, correlating with increased TEWL over time.
Conclusions:
- Biochemically altering epidermal lipids can increase TEWL.
- This approach may enhance the absorption of topical compounds.
- Strategies to modify epidermal lipid composition show potential for improving drug delivery.