title: In vitro reconstruction of human skin: The use of skin equivalents as potential indicators of cutaneous toxicity.
abstract: A three-dimensional reconstruction of living skin-the skin equivalent-has been modified to accept materials that can be applied topically to the skin. Using an irritant gel containing 10% benzoyl peroxide, changes in the skin equivalent model were investigated. Histologically, epidermal necrosis and vacuolar change were observed within 4-6 hr after topical application. Using skin equivalents prelabelled with [(3)H]arachidonic acid, studies involving direct measurement using HPLC and radioimmunoassay have indicated the release of potent lipoxygenase products, such as leukotriene B(4) and 15-hydroxyeicosa-tetraenoic acid. These preliminary results suggest that the skin equivalent may prove to be a useful in vitro model for the prediction of cutaneous toxicity of topically applied substances.
authors: Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XN, UK.
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Dykes
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Edwards
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: O'Donovan
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Merrett
authors: H E
authors: HE
authors: Morgan
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Marks