Dermal absorption of mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (heparinoid) in human and minipig

Tadao Kumokawa1, Kazumasa Hirata, Keiichi Sato

  • 1Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co. Ltd., Kyoto, Japan. kumokawa_bml@mii.maruho.co.jp

Arzneimittel-Forschung
|March 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPS) is stable and minimally absorbed through human and minipig skin. Tape-stripping increased MPS absorption, while minipig skin showed higher dermal absorption than human skin.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Dermatology
  • Drug Delivery

Background:

  • Mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPS) is the active ingredient in Hirudoid.
  • Understanding dermal absorption is crucial for topical drug efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dermal absorption and stability of mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPS) in human and minipig skin.
  • To compare absorption rates across different skin conditions and species.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies using Franz cells with 14C-labeled MPS on intact, dried, and tape-stripped human and minipig skin.
  • In vivo study in minipigs to assess dermal absorption.
  • Stability assessment using agarose gel electrophoresis and ion-exchange chromatography.
  • Microautoradiography to visualize radioactivity distribution.

Main Results:

  • Dermal absorption of MPS was low in intact and dried human skin (0.98-1.34% of applied dose).
  • Tape-stripping significantly increased MPS absorption in human skin (up to 2.85% in epidermal-dermal layers).
  • Minipig skin exhibited 1.5 to 4.5 times greater MPS dermal absorption compared to human skin.
  • MPS demonstrated stability within human skin post-application.
  • Radioactivity was primarily localized in the epidermis near hair follicles.

Conclusions:

  • Mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPS) is stable and undergoes limited percutaneous absorption in both human and minipig skin.
  • Skin integrity and species significantly influence MPS dermal penetration.
  • The findings support the topical application of MPS, with potential for enhanced delivery under compromised skin conditions.