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Published on: August 22, 2016
Full Thickness EpiDerm: a dermal-epidermal skin model to study epithelial-mesenchymal interactions
Joseph Kubilus1, Patrick J Hayden, Seyoum Ayehunie
1MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA 01721, USA.
Alternatives to Laboratory Animals : ATLA
|April 13, 2013
Summary
Full Thickness EpiDerm, a novel organotypic skin model, demonstrates comparable viability to existing models when exposed to irritants. Its unique structure facilitates direct topical testing for allergens and irritants.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- In vitro models
Background:
- Current organotypic skin models require standardized testing protocols.
- Full Thickness EpiDerm offers enhanced usability for direct topical application.
- Existing models are validated using effective time-50 (ET-50) values derived from Triton X-100 exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of Full Thickness EpiDerm as a viable in vitro skin model.
- To assess the tissue viability and response to chemical and UV stimuli.
- To compare the characteristics of Full Thickness EpiDerm with existing models.
Main Methods:
- Full Thickness EpiDerm cultured in cell culture inserts for direct topical application.
- MTT tissue viability assays following exposure to 1% Triton X-100.
- Histological analysis of epidermal and dermal layers.
- Assessment of collagenase (MMP-1) release after ultraviolet irradiation.
Main Results:
- Full Thickness EpiDerm exhibited normal MTT tissue viability dose-response curves similar to EpiDerm after Triton X-100 exposure.
- Initial lots of Full Thickness EpiDerm showed an average ET-50 of 7.79 hours, comparable to the reference database average of 6.74 hours.
- Histology revealed a well-differentiated epidermis and a dermis-like layer.
- Ultraviolet irradiation induced an increase in collagenase (MMP-1) release.
Conclusions:
- Full Thickness EpiDerm is a robust in vitro model for skin irritation and sensitization testing.
- The model's structural integrity and biological responses are comparable to native epidermis.
- Further research into dermal and epidermal cross-talk responses is warranted.
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