Comparison of epidermal morphologic response to commercial antiwrinkle agents in the hairless mouse.
BACKGROUND
A large number of commercial antiwrinkle and antiaging compounds are available to consumers for rejuvenation of facial skin ravaged by age or solar radiation. Experimental data on the histological effects of these commercial products in laboratory models are sparse.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of topical application of five commercially available antiaging compounds (retinoic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, estrogen, and soy) on the dorsal skin.


METHODS
The effects were examined using light microscopic analysis of the epidermis in the normal nonirradiated hairless mouse. The agents were applied daily to dorsal tattooed areas for 2 weeks before histological assessment; neighboring untreated surface areas were used as control. Morphometric measurements of total epidermal width, nuclear volume of keratinocytes in three layers, and index of proliferating cell nuclear antigen according to immunohistochemistry were obtained and statistically analyzed.


RESULTS
Significant histomorphometric effects were noticed with all five agents, but more pronounced changes were obtained with glycolic acid, estrogen, and retinoic acid product.


CONCLUSIONS
These baseline data will be useful for future studies on the effect of ultraviolet radiation to cause photoaging and reparative effects of similar agents in this animal. The information contained in the report may provide guidelines to consumers and clinicians.
Bhattacharyya
Tapan K
TK
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. tbhatt@uic.edu
Higgins
Natalie P
NP
Sebastian
J Scott
JS
Thomas
J Regan
JR
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D023421:Models, Animal; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents