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Barrier function of human skin and human reconstructed epidermis
M Regnier1, D Caron, U Reichert
1Centre International de Recherches Dermatologiques Galderma, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, France.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Human reconstructed epidermis shows similar barrier properties to normal skin but is quantitatively more permeable. This suggests an impaired barrier function in in vitro reconstructed epidermis models.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- In vitro models
- Skin barrier function
Background:
- The stratum corneum is the primary barrier of human skin.
- In vitro reconstructed epidermis models are used to study skin barrier function.
- Comparing these models to native skin is crucial for their validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the barrier function of human reconstructed epidermis (on de-epidermized dermis) with native human skin.
- To assess histological and water permeability differences.
- To evaluate the in vitro model's suitability for percutaneous absorption studies.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of stratum corneum.
- Water permeability measurements.
- Percutaneous absorption studies of benzoic acid, testosterone, and hydrocortisone.
Main Results:
- Reconstructed epidermis exhibited qualitative barrier properties similar to native skin.
- Penetration rates showed water and benzoic acid > testosterone and hydrocortisone.
- Quantitatively, reconstructed epidermis was more permeable than normal human skin.
Conclusions:
- In vitro reconstructed epidermis models possess similar barrier characteristics to native skin.
- The barrier function of reconstructed epidermis is quantitatively impaired compared to native skin.
- Further optimization of in vitro models is needed for accurate skin barrier research.