title: Skin permeation of 5-methoxypsoralen from topical dosage forms.
abstract: The topical photochemotherapy of dermatoses with psoralens (PUVA therapy) requires an adequate drug level at the target site (basal epidermis) at the time of UVA radiation. The aim of this work was to enhance 5-methoxypsoralen transport to the basal epidermis, with the goal to shorten the delay between drug application and UVA irradiation. 5-Methoxypsoralen transport through rabbit skin was studied in vitro from topical formulations (water solution, gel. and emulsion). The results obtained show that the use of the emulsion increased the flux through rabbit ear skin, even if partitioning was not favorable. Additionally, the time lag was sensibly reduced, compared with the gel and solution. Furthermore, drug accumulation in human skin in vitro was determined using the thin slicing technique. Human skin accumulation profile was significantly higher for the emulsion, compared with the gel, indicating that the delay between psoralen application and UVA irradiation can be shortened.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Gaia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: Mariella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Artusi
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Santi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: Ruggero
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bettini
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zucchi
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nicoli
mesh_terms: D000078223:5-Methoxypsoralen; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004339:Drug Compounding; D004655:Emulsions; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D010539:Permeability; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011817:Rabbits; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004655:Emulsions; D005782:Gels; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000078223:5-Methoxypsoralen; D008730:Methoxsalen