VALIDATION OF AN IN-VIVO WOUND-HEALING MODEL FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON EPIDERMAL REGENERATION

Background: Non-invasive assessment methods such as measurement of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) allow a continuous follow-up of cuta neous processes with impairment of the epidermal barrier function. Obj ective: The aim of the trial was to establish an in vivo model for the assessment of drug effects on epidermal regeneration. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were included in this double-blind randomized tria l. After setting four suction blisters on the volar aspect of the fore arm, the epidermis was removed to create a standardized subepidermal w ound. Thereafter the wounds were treated topically for 6 h daily durin g 14 days. The following treatments were to be compared: a clobetasol 17-propionate preparation under occlusion, a corticoid-free cream unde r occlusion, no treatment and occlusion (aluminium chamber), no treatm ent and no occlusion. Daily measurement of TEWL above the wounds was p erformed. Results: The 0.05% clobetasol 17-propionate preparation caus ed a dramatic delay in TEWL, decrease, whereby the untreated unocclude d field showed a continuous decrease over the observed period of 14 da ys. Occlusion and corticoid-free treatment led to a weak but significa nt delay of TEWL decrease when compared to the untreated unoccluded te st field. Conclusion: This model seems to describe re-epithelializatio n in a reliable manner and can be used for in vivo assessment of drug effects on migrating and proliferating epithelial cells.