Application of the fiber-optic perfusion fluorometer to absorption and exsorption studies in hairless mouse skin.
This study was undertaken to test the fiber-optic perfusion fluorometer as a direct means of evaluating skin absorption and exsorption in hairless mice. Skin-barrier compromise was accomplished in the absorption experiments by application of dimethyl sulfoxide to the skin surface or by partial removal of the stratum corneum with sticky tape. Absorbed fluorescein was measured easily in unanesthetized control (skin-barrier intact) and experimental mice. Unabsorbed chemical did not fluoresce 15 minutes after application, although it was present on the surface of the skin as a dry powder. The time course of fluorescein elimination from the skin was related to a rapid phase (vascular removal) and a slow phase (reservoir entrapment). In the exsorption experiments the fluorescein was injected intraperitoneally. Back skin on the right side was swabbed with either dimethyl sulfoxide or 1% capsaicin in alcohol prior to the injections, and differences in skin fluorescence on the left (control) and right sides were recorded. One application of dimethyl sulfoxide or capsaicin increased the level of skin exsorption. Three applications of dimethyl sulfoxide almost doubled the amount of exsorbed dye, whereas three applications of the capsaicin inhibited the exsorption process. It was concluded that the fiber-optic perfusion fluorometer provides an excellent technique in support of other methods of investigating the skin.
Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile 36688.
J M
JM
Shackleford
K L
KL
Yielding
D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D019793:Fluorescein; D005452:Fluoresceins; D005470:Fluorometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless / Q000378:metabolism*; D055100:Optical Fibers; D010477:Perfusion; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*
D005452:Fluoresceins; D002211:Capsaicin; D019793:Fluorescein; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide