Prostaglandin E1 in suction-separated human epidermal tissue in primary irritant dermatitis

Experimental dermo-epidermal separation by suction was performed on primary irritant dermatitic and normal symmetrical skin areas. Primary irritant dermatitis was induced by 24-hour patch tests with an aqueous 10% benzalconium chloride solution in 12 healthy volunteers. PGE1 activity in the epidermis, dermis and blister exudate was measured by a radioimmuno assay technique. The mean values in the epidermis (blister roof) was 1.57 ng/mg dry weight, dermis (blister base) 0.08 ng/mg dry weight and suction exudate (blister base) 0.08 ng/mg dry weight and suction exudate (blister fluid) 1.61 ng/ml. The corresponding control values were: in epidermis 0.86 ng/mg dry weight, dermis 0.04 ng/ml dry weight and blister exudate 0.50 ng/ml. Thus significantly increased PGE1 activity (p less than 0.02) was measured in the suction-separated samples in primary irritant dermatitis and furthermore, the highest level of PGE1 activity was detected in epidermis.