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Comparison of tissue sources for the skin integrity function test (SIFT)
J R Heylings1, H M Clowes, L Hughes
1Absorption and In Vitro Toxicology Unit, Syngenta Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TJ, UK. jon.heylings@syngenta.com
Summary
Mouse whole skin demonstrated the best performance as an in vitro model for predicting acute skin irritation using the skin integrity function test (SIFT). It consistently showed high damage ratios across multiple measurements after sodium lauryl sulphate exposure.
Area of Science:
- In vitro toxicology
- Dermatology
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- The Skin Integrity Function Test (SIFT) is an in vitro model for assessing acute skin irritation.
- Evaluating various skin models is crucial for optimizing predictive accuracy in toxicological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most effective in vitro skin model for assessing skin barrier function using SIFT.
- To compare the responsiveness of nine different skin types to sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) as a standard irritant.
Main Methods:
- Assessed barrier function using transepidermal water loss (TEWL), electrical resistance (ER), and tritiated water flux (TWF).
- Exposed human, reconstituted human epidermis (RHE), pig, rabbit, rat, and mouse skin to SLS.
- Calculated damage ratios to quantify the impact of SLS on skin barrier integrity.
Main Results:
- Mouse whole skin exhibited the highest and most consistent damage ratios for TEWL, ER, and TWF post-SLS exposure.
- Rat whole skin also performed well but was less responsive than mouse skin.
- Human epidermis responded only at high SLS doses, while RHE showed high permeability and poor response.
Conclusions:
- Mouse whole skin is the most practical and effective in vitro model for the SIFT approach in predicting skin irritation.
- The study highlights the variability in responsiveness among different in vitro skin models to chemical irritants.