title: Effects of detergents on proliferation and metabolism of human keratinocytes.
abstract: Effects of low concentrations of detergents on cultured human foreskin keratinocytes were assessed in vitro. The viability and activity of keratinocytes were assessed by measuring reduction of a tetrazolium dye as an indicator of mitochondrial metabolism. The keratinocyte proliferative responses after incubation with detergents were assessed by a spectrophotometric assay employing crystal violet dye and a fluorometric assay determining total DNA content. Both the cationic detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide [CTAB] and the anionic detergent sodium lauryl sulfate [SLS] showed toxic effects on keratinocytes at concentrations as low as 3 micrograms/mg, but SLS was less toxic. However, both SLS and CTAB activated keratinocytes at very low concentrations. Proliferative activity and mitochondrial metabolism increased. Serum partially protected keratinocytes against toxic and stimulatory activities of both detergents. We suggest that detergents may directly damage keratinocytes and thereby produce irritant contact dermatitis, but activation of keratinocytes by low concentrations may also produce dermatitis, perhaps by causing keratinocytes to release cytokines.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Bigliardi
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Herron
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Dahl
mesh_terms: D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000077286:Cetrimonium; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D003902:Detergents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D017830:Octoxynol / Q000494:pharmacology; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds; D003902:Detergents; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D017830:Octoxynol; D004247:DNA; D000077286:Cetrimonium