Comparing Models for Vesicant Responses in Skin Cells
Abstract
Vesicant challenges have been delivered to NHEK (normal human epidermal keratinocyes) and to artificial human epidermal tissues. Confluent NHEK, grown on plastic surfaces or gel-coated microporous membranes of Millicell CMR inserts, were challenged with vesicants diluted in cell culture medium. Testskin was provided on agarose nutrient gel as a cornified wafer of sufficient diameter to receive vesicant vapor from cups normally used to challenge animal skin. Stratum corneum of preproduction EpiDerm (PreEpiD) specimens were challenged with vesicant vapor from cups suspended inside of Millicells. Inverted phase contrast microscopy of NHEK on plastic revealed dose-related vesicant effects that could facilitate screening of antivesicants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed vesicant effects in two distinctly different populations of NHEK on gel-coated inserts. SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of Testskin and PreEpiD disclosed structural differences between these models that became amplified in vesicant-challenged specimens. PreEpiD shows more promise than Testskin for screening of antivesicant topical skin protectants. However, both epidermal models lack the basal lamina that is needed for advanced antivesicant testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 13, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADP008759
Entities
People
- John P. Petrali
- Kenneth R. Mills
- Laura S. Rhoads
- Millard M. Mershon
- Sophia K. Kim
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense