Effect Of Skin Temperature On Dermal Absorption Of Anthracene

Abstract

Exposure to a variety of ubiquitous pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), occurs during daily exposure to vehicular exhaust fumes, smoking, grilling, and in many occupations, including firefighting. Dermal absorption of potential carcinogens has received limited attention compared to respiratory routes due to the challenges with measurement in vivo. PURPOSE: Our aims were 1) establish the efficacy of microdialysis (MD) as a sampling technique for dermal absorption of PAHs and 2) determine the effect of skin temperature on dermal absorption of the non-carcinogenic PAH, anthracene (ANT). METHODS: Two MD fibers were inserted into the ventral forearm of 6 healthy participants (32 ± 5 yrs, 5 male, 1 female) and perfused with lactated Ringers and 10% 2-hyroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin at a rate of 1 μl/min. 2% ANT cream was applied over each site, dialysate samples were collected and skin blood flow (SkBF) measured at a locally heated (HT, 43°C) and thermoneutral (TN, 33°C) site. The concentration of ANT from dialysate samples were measured via targeted tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Dialysate ANT concentration was similar between the HT and TN sites (2.9 ± 0.4 vs. 3.5 ± 0.4 ppm, P=0.26). Absolute SkBF was significantly higher at the HT versus TN site (35.7 ± 11.8 and 7.2 ± 1.0 CVC, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide support for MD as a sampling technique for dermal absorption of PAHs. Despite similar ANT concentrations between sites, dermal absorption and sampling can be modulated by multiple factors. Further research is required to elucidate the influence of skin temperature versus clearance on dermal absorption of ANT and other PAHs. This has important implications for understanding dermal absorption of potentially carcinogenic compounds in occupational workers and the general poulation.