title: The StrataTest® human skin model, a consistent in vitro alternative for toxicological testing.
abstract: Three-dimensional in vitro skin models provide an alternative to animal testing for assessing tissue damage caused by chemical or physical agents and for the identification and characterization of agents formulated to mitigate this damage. The StrataTest® human skin model made with pathogen-free NIKS® keratinocyte progenitors is a fully-stratified tissue containing epidermal and dermal components that possesses barrier function as determined by measurements of electrical impedance. Independent batches of skin tissues responded consistently to known chemical irritants even after refrigerated storage for up to 7 days. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected after exposure of skin tissues to ozone, cigarette smoke or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Pretreatment with the antioxidant parthenolide-depleted (PD)-Feverfew extract prevented cigarette smoke-induced or UV irradiation-mediated increases in ROS. Interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) secretion increased in a dose dependent manner following UV irradiation but cytokine release was abrogated by pretreatment with a UVA/UVB sunscreen. Similarly, immunohistochemical detection showed increased thymidine dimer formation in UV-irradiated skin tissue that was prevented with sunscreen pretreatment. These results demonstrate that the StrataTest® human skin model is broadly applicable to a wide range of in vitro toxicological assays.
authors.affiliation: Stratatech Corporation, 505 S. Rosa Rd. Madison, WI 53719, USA.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gratz
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Liebel
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Southall
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garay
authors.forename: Surjya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharyya
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vander Zanden
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Winkle
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pirnstill
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pirnstill
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Comer
authors.forename: B Lynn
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Allen-Hoffmann
mesh_terms: D000826:Animal Testing Alternatives / Q000379:methods; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010126:Ozone / Q000633:toxicity; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D012034:Refrigeration; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D010126:Ozone