ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the uses of a perfused skin model, such as the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF) in percutaneous absorption and dermatotoxicokinetic studies. One of its major advantages is that both absorption and toxicity may be assessed in the same preparation. The IPPSF appears to be a useful humane experimental model system for assessing both a chemical’s percutaneous absorption profile and dermatotoxic potential. The primary advantages of isolated perfused systems relate to: the presence of a functional cutaneous vascular system; the ease of continuously sampling venous perfusate; and the ability to conduct mass-balance and metabolism studies. Viability of the preparations is monitored real-time by assessing perfusate pressure and glucose utilization. Several of these viability parameters also serve as useful biomarkers for the assessment of toxicity. Specimens are routinely collected for light microscopy to evaluate skin viability and integrity.
