Transdermal delivery of narcotic analgesics: comparative metabolism and permeability of human cadaver skin and hairless mouse skin

The permeation of hairless mouse skin and human cadaver skin by narcotic analgesics was investigated to determine the interspecies variation. Permeability coefficients of morphine, fentanyl, and sufentanil across full-thickness hairless mouse skin were 1 order of magnitude higher than those found for human epidermis. The permeability coefficient of morphine for stripped hairless mouse skin was 500-fold higher than that for intact skin, showing the stratum corneum to be the principal barrier to its penetration. The permeability coefficient of fentanyl for stripped hairless mouse skin was also raised, but stripping caused an inappreciable increase in the permeation rate of sufentanil. The thick dermis of excised mouse skin obviously offered a significant resistance to the permeation of these lipophilic compounds. In comparison, the permeability coefficients of fentanyl and sufentanil through stripped cadaver epidermis (n > or = 25) were 67 and 37 higher than for intact human epidermis, respectively. The skin metabolism of the narcotics was investigated. No significant metabolic degradation of morphine, fentnayl, and sufentanil was observed in either fresh human cadaver skin or hairless mouse skin homogenates in the presence of NADPH cofactor, suggesting a low monooxygenase enzyme presence in skin. Moreover, no measurable glucuronidation of morphine took place in human skin or hairless mouse skin. Both processes proceeded rapidly in liver homogenates (mouse) under identical circumstances. It thus appears that these drugs pass through in intact form.     

Permeability characteristics of novel mydriatic agents using an in vitro cell culture model that utilizes SIRC rabbit corneal cells

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the permeability characteristics of a previously reported in vitro corneal model that utilizes SIRC rabbbit corneal cells and to investigate the permeability of three novel esters of phenylephrone chemical delivery systems (CDS) under different pH conditions using this in vitro model. The SIRC rabbit corneal cell line was grown on transwell polycarbonate membranes, and the barrier properties were assessed by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) using a voltohmmeter. The permeabilities of esters of phenylephrone CDS across the SIRC cell layers were measured over a pH range 4.0-7. 4. The esters tested include phenylacetyl (1), isovaleryl (2), and pivalyl (3). The SIRC rabbit corneal cell line, when grown on permeable filters, formed tight monolayers of high electrical resistance with TEER values increasing from 71.6 +/- 20.8 Omega.cm2 at day 3 in culture to 2233.42 +/- 15.2 Omega.cm2 at day 8 in culture and remained constant through day 14 in culture. The transepithelial permeability coefficients (Papp) at pH 7.4 ranged from 0.58 x 10(-6) cm/s for the hydrophilic marker, mannitol, to 43. 5 x 10(-6) cm/s for the most lipophilic molecule, testosterone. The Papp at pH 7.4 for phenylephrine was 4.21 x 10(-6) cm/s. The Papp values and the lag times of the three esters of phenylephrone were pH dependent. The Papp for 1, 2, and 3 at pH 7.4 were 14.76 x 10(-6), 13.19 x 10(-6), and 12.86 x 10(-6) cm/s, respectively and the permeabilities decreased at conditions below pH 7.4. The lag times at pH 7.4 were 0.10, 0.17, and 0.12 h for 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and the values increased at lower pH conditions. The TEER values of SIRC cell line observed at day 8 to day 14 in the present investigation are similar to the resistance value reported for rabbit cornea (2 kOmega.cm2). All the esters showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher permeabilities than phenylephrine at pH 7.4. The rate and extent of transport of the drugs across the cell layers were influenced by the fraction of ionized and un-ionized species and the intrinsic partition coefficient of the drug. The results indicate that the permeability of ophthalmic drugs through ocular membranes may be predicted by measuring the permeability through the new in vitro cell culture model.     

Transdermal delivery of ketorolac tromethamine: permeation enhancement, device design, and pharmacokinetics in healthy humans

Transdermal delivery of ketorolac tromethamine, a potent non-narcotic analgesic, through human skin in vitro and in vivo was investigated. In order to enhance and sustain the flux of ketorolac through human skin, various compositions of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), water, and isopropyl myristate (IPM) were evaluated. The solubility of ketorolac acid in an IPA/water binary vehicle mixture increased as the volume fraction of IPA increased from 0 to 90%. The solubility of ketorolac acid in an IPA/water/IPM (saturated) ternary vehicle mixture was practically the same as in the IPA/water binary vehicle mixture. The permeation of ketorolac acid through cadaver skin was evaluated using modified Franz diffusion cells. The skin flux increased as the IPA volume fraction was increased from 0 to 50% and then leveled off beyond 80% IPA loading. When IPM was added to the IPA/water binary vehicle mixture, a significant increase in the skin flux of ketorolac was observed. The skin flux decreased exponentially as the donor solution pH was raised from 3.5 to 7.0. The permeability of ketorolac through various membranes such as a microporous membrane and pressure-sensitive adhesive was evaluated. While a microporous membrane offered practically no diffusion resistance, the in vitro flux of ketorolac through cadaver skin decreased substantially upon lamination of pressure-sensitive adhesive onto a microporous membrane. Three liquid-reservoir type transdermal devices were fabricated using 6.5% ketorolac tromethamine gel, a microporous membrane, an adhesive membrane, and polyester backing film: TD-A (microporous membrane/acrylic adhesive), TD-B (microporous membrane/silicone adhesive), and TD-C (microporous membrane). The pharmacokinetics of ketorolac in 10 healthy humans following application of a transdermal device for 24 h was evaluated. The maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) were 0.20, 0.18, and 0.82 microgram/mL for TD-A, TD-B, and TD-C, respectively. The total AUC values for the concentration-time curves were TD-C > TD-A > TD-B, and the terminal half-life ranged from 6.6 to 9.7 h.     

Liposome-skin interactions and their effects on the skin permeation of drugs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the interaction of phospholipid liposomes with skin and stratum corneum lipid liposomes (SCLLs). The influence of phospholipid liposomes on the skin permeability of model drugs was also studied. The transdermal flux of the drugs applied in various phospholipid containing formulations through human epidermis was studied in diffusion chambers. Liposomes in water solutions did not enhance the skin permeability of the drugs, but when ethanol (32% w/v) was present in the donor with EPC (egg yolk lecithin), permeabilities of some model drugs were substantially increased. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that EPC do not penetrate into the skin from water solutions, while from ethanol solutions, EPC penetrates deeply into the stratum corneum. Also, resonance energy transfer between different liposome compositions and the release of calcein from SCLLs showed that interactions between phospholipid liposomes and SCLLs increased with increasing ethanol concentration in the liposome solutions.     

Physiologically relevant one-compartment pharmacokinetic models for skin. 1. Development of models

Many studies have used pharmacokinetic (compartment) models for skin to predict or analyze absorption of chemicals through skin. In these studies, several different definitions of the rate constants were used. The purpose of this study was to develop a general procedure for relating compartment model rate constants to dermal absorption parameters, such as permeability and partition coefficients, and to assess whether different definitions of the rate constants produce different results. Rate constant expressions were developed by requiring a one-compartment model to match a one-membrane model at specific conditions. Because a membrane model contains more information than a compartment model, a compartment model cannot match the membrane model in all respects. Consequently, many compartment models (i.e., different definitions of the rate constants) can be developed which match the membrane model for different conditions. Using this procedure, 11 different compartment models were developed and compared to the membrane model for four different dermal absorption scenarios. The compartment model that most closely matches the membrane model depends on the specific exposure scenario and what is to be predicted. One of the new compartment models agrees reasonably well with the membrane model, for the cases considered.     

In vitro evaluation of a series of N-dodecanoyl-L-amino acid methyl esters as dermal penetration enhancers

A series of N-dodecanoyl-L-amino acid methyl esters (1-10) and n-pentyl N-acetylprolinate (11) were evaluated for dermal enhancement properties using an in vitro diffusion cell technique. Methods of synthesis of these compounds were described. Enhancers were applied 1 h prior to drug treatment. Hydrocortisone was used as the model drug and was applied to excised hairless mouse skin as a saturated suspension in propylene glycol. Enhancement ratios (ER) were determined for permeability coefficient, 24 h diffusion cell receptor concentration (Q24), and 24 h full-thickness skin steroid content. Controls received no enhancer pretreatment of the skin. N-Dodecanoyl-L-proline (10) showed the highest Q24 value for total steroid (ER 13.7) while N-dodecanoyl-L-phenylalanine (5) showed the highest total steroid skin retention (ER 16.5).     

Intestinal permeability of ophthalmic beta-blockers for predicting ocular permeability

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intestinal permeability of ophthalmic beta-blockers and evaluate the utility of intestinal membrane for predicting the ocular permeability. The penetrations of beta-blockers were measured across the isolated jejunum and colon of the albino rabbit using a two-chamber glass diffusion cell. beta-Blockers tested include atenolol, carteolol, tilisolol, timolol, and befunolol. Colonic membrane showed lower permeability of hydrophilic drugs than jejunal membrane. Scraping the entire cell monolayer of jejunum increased the drug permeability. There was a significant correlation between colonic permeability coefficients and lipophilicities of beta-blockers. The permeability coefficients through jejunum and scraped jejunum were not susceptible to drug lipophilicities. Jejunum, scraped jejunum, and colon showed permeability coefficients almost equal to those of sclera, conjunctiva, and cornea, respectively. There was a significant correlation between permeability coefficients through colon and cornea. These results indicate that the steady-state permeability of ophthalmic beta-blockers through ocular membranes may be predicted by measuring the permeability through certain intestinal membranes. However, the analyses of intestinal permeability using Fick's equation showed the functional difference of intestinal permeability from ocular permeability of ophthalmic beta-blockers.     

Synthesis and effect of two new penetration enhancers on the transdermal delivery of 5-fluorouracil through excised rat skin

The tetrahydrogeraniol (THG) derivative, ethyl-(3,7-dimethyl octyl thio) acetate (EDOTA) was prepared by reacting tetrahydrogeranyl bromide (obtained by reaction of 40% hydrobromic acid and concentrated sulfuric acid) with ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate, while 3,7-dimethyl octyl propionate (DOP) was synthesized by a common esterification reaction by reacting THG with propionic acid in the presence of cyclohexane and concentrated sulfuric acid. The penetration-enhancing effect of the new enhancers were compared with THG and Azone in vitro using excised rat skin in modified Franz-type diffusion cells. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a hydrophilic drug with poor skin permeability was used as a model permeant. Skin samples were pretreated with pure liquid enhancers for 12 h. 5-FU flux through the control and enhancer-treated skin increased linearly with its concentration in the receptor compartment. EDOTA and DOP interacted with the skin rapidly (< 2h), and the duration of action is at least 24 h. Significant differences were found in the flux values of 5-FU; EDOTA and DOP enhanced the permeability of the drug about 6-fold and 11-fold respectively. Increased partition coefficient and diffusion coefficient values were obtained by these enhancers. The results suggested that the amount of EDOTA and DOP in the skin, especially in the stratum corneum, may be related to their penetration-enhancing effect.     

Cloning of the gene for spinocerebellar ataxia 2 reveals a locus with high sensitivity to expanded CAG/glutamine repeats

A 3-day monolithic polyacrylate adhesive dispersion type delivery system containing methadone was fabricated and in vitro permeation through hairless mouse and human cadaver skins was conducted. The effect of skin permeation enhancers was also investigated. Skin permeation rate across human cadaver skin was found to be lower than that of hairless mouse. Skin permeation profiles across both types of skins showed a membrane permeation controlled cumulative amount permeated (Q) versus time (t) relationship. Skin permeation rate was found to be dependent on both adhesive film thickness and loading dose of the drug in the matrix. Effective skin permeation rate across the hairless mouse skin was obtained from a patch with 1.5 mm thickness and 15% w/w loading dose. n-Decylmethyl sulfoxide and Azone were found to produce an effective skin permeation rate of methadone through human cadaver skin at a 5% w/w concentration. These initial studies demonstrated the feasibility of methadone administration through intact skin from a transdermal patch.     

Ionic membrane selectivity of Planorbarius corneus mollusk neurons

In electrophysiological investigations, relative permeabilities of somatic neuronal membrane in the winkle for K+, Rb+ and Tl+ have been obtained which made it possible to establish the selectivity row for this membrane. This row in principle coincides with similar rows for the membranes of other excitable formations. The difference lies in higher permeability of the membrane investigated for sodium. Permeability coefficients for K+, Rb+, Tl+ and Na+ in this membrane were also determined. In marine molluscs, sodium and potassium permeabilities of the membranes are lower than in fresh-water or terrestrial ones.     

Skin permeation of parabens in excised guinea pig dorsal skin, its modification by penetration enhancers and their relationship with n-octanol/water partition coefficients

Skin penetration of methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl parabens through excised guinea pig dorsal skin was examined, and effects of the penetration enhancers, l-menthol plus ethanol itself and N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone, were observed. Permeability of coefficients of the parabens correlated with n-octanol/water partition coefficients. Addition of 1% l-menthol in 15% ethanol about sixteen times increased the permeability coefficient of methyl paraben, whereas this enhancer decreased that of butyl paraben to about one fifth of the control value. A similar, though weaker, tendency was observed for the effects of 15% ethanol itself. 0.025% suspension of N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone increased the permeability coefficient of methyl paraben about seven times, whereas it did not change that of butyl paraben significantly. Therefore, dependency of the permeability coefficients of the parabens on n-octanol/water partition coefficients almost disappeared in the presence of this compound. A spin label study with stratum corneum lipid liposomes revealed that increase of fluidity of the lipid bilayer by these penetration enhancers corresponded with their enhancement effects on skin penetration of methyl paraben. Perturbation of stratum corneum lipid lamella thus seems to be related with their enhancement of the absorption of hydrophilic paraben.     

Difference in the enhancing effects of ultrasound on the skin permeation of polar and non-polar drugs

The effect of ultrasound (150 kHz, 111 mW/cm2) on the permeability of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and antipyrine (ANP) through excised hairless rat skin was evaluated using an Arrhenius plot. The permeability coefficients of ISDN across skin (at various temperatures) in the presence and absence of ultrasound were virtually isolinear on the Arrhenius plot. It has been suggested that the temporal increase in the ISDN flux, which was observed when ultrasound was applied in our previous study, was only a result of the thermal effect of ultrasound, i.e., an increase in the temperature of the donor solution. On the other hand, ultrasound influenced the Arrhenius plot of ANP, suggesting that the enhancement effect for ANP permeation could be not explained only by the thermal effect of ultrasound. In addition, the effective diffusion (D) and partition coefficients (K) of ISDN and ANP were estimated using their skin permeation profiles across the ultrasonic pretreated skin. The coefficients of ISDN with ultrasonic pretreatment were comparable to those without pretreatment. On the other hand, the D value of ANP with ultrasonic pretreatment was increased about 4 times by ultrasonic pretreatment, in spite of an insignificant change in the K value. These results suggest that the ultrasound used in the present study increased the effective diffusivity across the aqueous region in the stratum corneum to enhance the skin permeation of the polar compound, ANP.     

Glow-discharge-modified activated carbon cloths as skin substitutes

In this study, activated carbon cloths (ACCs) were modified in a glow-discharge apparatus by using 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (HEMA), dimethyl-aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and hydroxymethyldisiloxane (HMDS) plasmas. Scanning electron micrographs exhibited the formation of the polymeric films on the ACCs after glow-discharge modification. The adsorption experiments were performed using model solutes, i.e., creatinine, vitamin B-12, and trypsin. No significant change was observed in the adsorption capacities of the ACC/PHEMA and ACC/PDMAEMA composites compared with the original ACC adsorption capacity. However, there was a pronounced decrease in the case of the ACC/PHMDS. Oxygen permeabilities of both the original and modified ACCs were measured in a flow-through gas chamber. The oxygen permeabilities of the original and modified forms were 817 and 3.5-5 cm3/s.cm2.cm Hg x 10(-7), respectively. Water-vapor permeabilities of the composites were obtained by using a standard water-cup assembly. Permeabilities varying between 921 and 10,300 g/m2.day were found. Microorganism impermeabilities of the ACCs were demonstrated by using model PS monosize polymeric particles with a diameter of 0.2 micron. The particle permeability of the original ACC was 65.6 mg/m2.day. Almost no particle permission was observed through the modified ACCs.     

Microfabricated microneedles: a novel approach to transdermal drug delivery

Although modern biotechnology has produced extremely sophisticated and potent drugs, many of these compounds cannot be effectively delivered using current drug delivery techniques (e.g., pills and injections). Transdermal delivery is an attractive alternative, but it is limited by the extremely low permeability of skin. Because the primary barrier to transport is located in the upper 10-15 micron of skin and nerves are found only in deeper tissue, we used a reactive ion etching microfabrication technique to make arrays of microneedles long enough to cross the permeability barrier but not so long that they stimulate nerves, thereby potentially causing no pain. These microneedle arrays could be easily inserted into skin without breaking and were shown to increase permeability of human skin in vitro to a model drug, calcein, by up to 4 orders of magnitude. Limited tests on human subjects indicated that microneedles were reported as painless. This paper describes the first published study on the use of microfabricated microneedles to enhance drug delivery across skin.     

Mathematical modelling of drug transport in emulsion systems

Two mathematical models for the prediction of drug transport in triphasic (oil, water and micellar) emulsion systems as a function of micellar concentration have been developed and these models were evaluated by comparing experimental and simulated data. Fick's first law was used to derive a transport model for hydrophilic drugs, assuming that the oil/water (o/w) partitioning process was fast compared with membrane transport and therefore drug transport was limited by the membrane. Consecutive rate equations were used to model transport of hydrophobic drugs in emulsion systems assuming that the o/w interface acts as a barrier to drug transport. Benzoic acid and phenol were selected as hydrophilic model drugs. Phenylazoaniline and benzocaine were selected as hydrophobic model drugs. Transport studies at pH 3.0 and 7.0 were conducted using side-by-side diffusion cells. According to the hydrophilic model, an increase in micellar concentration is expected to decrease drug transport rates. The effective permeability coefficients (Peff) of drugs were calculated using an equation relating Peff and the total apparent volume of drug distribution (determined experimentally using drug/membrane permeability and partition coefficient values). The hydrophobic model was fitted to the experimental data for the cumulative amount of model drug in the receiver cells using a weighted least-squares estimation program (PCNONLIN). The oil/continuous phase partitioning rates (k1) and the membrane transport rates (k2) were estimated. The goodness of fit was assessed from the correlation coefficients of plots of predicted versus experimental data. The predicted data were consistent with the experimental data for both the hydrophilic and hydrophobic models.     

Racemate and enantiomers of ketoprofen: phase diagram, thermodynamic studies, skin permeability, and use of chiral permeation enhancers

The role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on transport of a chiral drug through the skin was studied. Ketoprofen (KP) was chosen as a model chiral drug. A possible relationship between the melting characteristics and the flux values of S- and RS-KP was investigated. The potential use of chiral enhancers, menthol and linalool, was also investigated. Thermal analyses were carried out for individual enantiomers and the racemate of KP. The melting temperature of each enantiomer was 22 degreesC lower than that of the racemic compound. Peak temperatures from the melting endotherms were plotted as a function of enantiomeric composition to give the binary phase diagram. The phase diagram suggested the presence of a racemic compound, and it was verified by calculations of the liquidus curve in the dystectic region using reported methods. Powder X-ray diffraction studies also confirmed that the racemate of KP is a racemic compound. The permeability of individual enantiomers and the racemate of KP through mice skin was determined in vitro using side-by-side diffusion cells. Transfer of R- and S-KP from aqueous solutions of both the racemate and pure enantiomer showed no significant differences in the rates of permeation, indicating that the rate of transfer of KP across the mice skin from these solutions was independent of the stereochemistry of the drug. No evidence of racemization during the transfer process was observed. The permeation-enhancing ratio of linalool was higher, but not significant, than that of l-menthol. The predicted ratio of enantiomer to racemate flux through the skin by the MTMT concept (1. 97) is in close agreement with the experimentally determined ratio (1.79) across mouse skin.     

In vitro bioartificial skin culture model of tissue rejection and inflammatory/immune mechanisms

We hypothesized that an in vitro bioartificial skin rejection model using living LSEs grown in tissue culture could be developed for the study of autologous, allogenic, and/or xenogeneic inflammatory/immune mechanisms and topical immunosuppressive drugs. Human fibroblasts were mixed with type 1 rat-tail collagen to form a matrix (4 to 5 days), on which human keratinocytes were seeded. After a keratinocyte monolayer formed, CT cultures were raised to the air-liquid interface for continued growth. In the REJ LSE model, immunocytes isolated from human blood were seeded on top of the NHEK monolayer at the time of air-lifting. Thickness measurements of the acellular keratin and keratinocyte layers, and nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios, in both CT and REJ were made using digital image analysis. Immunostaining with anticytokeratin demonstrated a viable, keratin-producing epidermal layer; staining with anti-TGF-beta suggested a role for this cytokine in the rejection or wound-healing process. The LSE appeared histologically similar to normal human epidermis. Immunocytes added to the REJ cultures caused an obvious rejection response and were clearly identifiable in the gels as CD45+ staining cells. The LSE model appears promising for the study of immune/inflammatory mechanisms, thermal injury, screening antirejection agents that might be applied topically and as an in vitro replacement for skin graft studies in animals.     

Relationship between the skin permeation movement of propranolol and skin inflammatory reactions

We studied inflammatory reactions induced by dermal application of the beta-blocker propranolol (PRL) in ethanol to guinea pigs in order to elucidate the relation of the reactions with the cumulative PRL permeating amount through the stratum corneum or the PRL content in the stripped skin, and to investigate the chemical mediators responsible for the reactions. The cumulative PRL permeating amount through the stratum corneum increased rapidly up to 2 h after dermal application, then increased linearly with time up to 24 h after application. Visual observation revealed formation of erythema and edema at the applied site of PRL, and histopathological examination revealed infiltration of pseudoeosinophiles of dermis and epidermis and degeneration/necrosis of epidermis. In general, it was considered that the duration and the extent of these reactions were dependent on the PRL dosage and application time. It was expected that the cumulative PRL permeating amount through the stratum corneum could be used to predict possible inflammatory reactions during development of transdermal drug delivery systems. On the other hand, contact of PRL with guinea pig skin tissues released histamine, and intradermal injection of PRL caused an increase of capillary permeability at the site of application. Also, the inhibitory effects of anti-inflammatory agents (diphenhydramine, dexamethasone, indomethacin, cyproheptadine hydrochloride, CV3988 and AA-861) to PRL-induced erythema formation demonstrated that histamine and prostaglandins were responsible for the inflammatory reactions induced by PRL.     

Caco-2 cell permeability of a new (hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine oral iron chelator: correlation with physicochemical properties and oral activity

This study describes the transport of CGP 75254A, a novel oral iron chelator, across Caco-2 cells in an attempt to model intestinal epithelial cell permeability in man. CGP 75254A was dosed to the apical side of Caco-2 cell monolayers, together with [14C]mannitol as an internal permeability standard. The apparent permeability (Papp) was calculated from the cumulative appearance of drug in the basolateral fluid with time. The [14C]mannitol Papp indicated that the Caco-2 monolayers remained intact and that the iron chelator was not toxic to the cells. Permeabilities of CGP 75254A were compared with the Caco-2 permeabilities of compounds of known absorption in man. The results predict that absorption of CGP 75254A is likely to be virtually complete at pH values between 5.5 and 7.0. However, at pH 8.0 permeability is predicted as negligible. Cell permeability data are in full accordance with key physicochemical properties of CGP 75254A and suggest that the drug is passively absorbed. The results, which suggest likely quantitative absorption in vivo, are supported by preliminary pharmacological experiments in marmosets.