Development of an in vitro model for studying the penetration of chemicals through compromised skin

The conventional safety approach that includes dermal absorption of pharmaceutical or consumer products uses models that are based on intact skin. However, when products are intended for application to skin with a less effective barrier, such as in new-born infants, or in cases where the skin is mildly damaged or diseased, there are instances where absorption through compromised skin is also important. A tape stripping procedure was investigated using dermatomed pig skin to assess if an in vitro model could replicate the typical changes in barrier function observed in humans with compromised skin. The relationship between Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), Electrical Resistance (ER) and Tritiated Water Flux(TWF), markers of skin barrier function in OECD 428 studies was investigated. There was a step-wise reduction in ER from normal (control) skin following 5, 10, 15 or 20 tape strips. This was mirrored by increases in both TWF and TEWL. An in vitro experimental protocol using 5 tape strips, ER and dermatomed pig skin provided a rapid, robust and reproducible approach equivalent to the 3–4-fold increases in TEWL observed clinically in compromised skin.