Profilometric and morphometric response of murine skin to cosmeceutical agents.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether topical antiaging compounds can reduce wrinkle depth as noted at replica profilometry with comparable changes in histologic findings in hairless mice.


METHODS
Commercial retinoic acid cream, a peptide lotion, and a soy cream were applied to the dorsal skin for 4 weeks. Silicone-negative replicas of treated and untreated skin surface were photographed and evaluated for traditional features of surface roughness. Skin samples were processed using histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Quantitative light microscopic data were acquired for estimating replication of epidermal keratinocytes, epidermal thickness, and depth of dermal collagen bundles.


RESULTS
Data were analyzed by comparing means with 1-way analysis of variance, and significant changes in all measurements were noted. Augmented keratinocyte proliferation and thickening of viable epidermis were observed with all 3 compounds, although a greater effect was found in the retinoic acid and peptide treatment groups. A similar trend was noted with respect to widening of the collagen layer. Epidermal surface roughness manifested maximum smoothing after treatment with the peptide compound.


CONCLUSIONS
The pronounced effects noted with all 3 compounds indicate that topical agents other than retinoic acid may have comparative stimulating effects on the skin in nonirradiated mice.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Eye & Ear Infirmary, 1855 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. tbhatt@uic.edu
Tapan K
TK
Bhattacharyya
Jeannie
J
Linton
Lily
L
Mei
J Regan
JR
Thomas
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010781:Photography; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D015595:Skin Aging; D013025:Glycine max; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D003358:Cosmetics; D010455:Peptides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014212:Tretinoin