The effects of sulfur mustard exposure and freezing on transdermal penetration of tritiated water through ex vivo pig skin

Abstract

The percutaneous absorption of tritiated water (3H2O) through sulfur mustard (SM) exposed abdominal pig skin was measured using in vitro Franz-type static diffusion cells. The barrier function to water permeation following exposure to liquid SM for 8min and excision 3h later did not change significantly. A small, but statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in steady state penetration (Jss), permeability coefficient (Kp) and lag time (tL) of 3H2O was observed between fresh skin and skin stored frozen (−20°C) for up to two weeks. Steady-state penetration and Kp values were significantly higher (P<0.05) in skin stored frozen compared with fresh skin. Fresh naïve skin had an average Kp of 1.65×10−3cmh−1, whereas frozen naïve skin was 2.04×10−3cmh−1. Fresh SM exposed skin had a mean Kp of 1.72×10−3cmh−1, whereas frozen SM exposed skin was 2.31×10−3cmh−1. Lag times were also shorter (P<0.05) in skin that had been stored frozen. Frozen, SM-exposed porcine abdominal skin may be used for in vitro penetration studies, but effects of treatment and storage on the barrier layer should be taken into account.