The isolated perfused bovine udder as a model of dermal eicosanoid release

The aim of this study was to examine whether the isolated perfused bovine u dder could be used as a suitable in vitro inflammation model. A common in v ivo inflammation model is arachidonic acid-induced inflammation in mouse ea rs. As an in vitro substitute for this model, arachidonic acid was administ ered topically to the skin of an isolated perfused bovine udder and the sub sequent changes in eicosanoid synthesis were examined. As with the mouse-ea r model, there was a significant increase in eicosanoid synthesis (prostagl andins E-2 and F-2 alpha and leukotrienes B-4 and C-4/D-4/E-4) following to pical irritation. This effect lasted for 3 hours. In addition, the changes in prostaglandin E-2 synthesis in the skin following irritation with arachi donic acid were measured by the microdialysis technique. In conclusion, the in vitro model described seems suitable for studies of pharmacological eff ects on eicosanoid synthesis.