EFFECTS OF CIMETIDINE ON NORMAL HUMAN SKIN IN-VITRO

Cimetidine is a anti-H2 antihistamine used for the treatment of peptic ulcers for its inhibitory action on gastric acid secretion and becaus e of a possible cytoprotective effect mediated by other mechanisms. We have studied the potential direct effect of cimetidine on normal huma n skin kept in organ culture in an air-liquid system. In comparison wi th skin cultured in control medium, skin samples cultured in the prese nce of cimetidine maintained a well-preserved appearance under light- and electronmicroscopic examination. These observations suggest that c imetidine exerts a direct effect on skin in vitro, enhancing its troph ism; its potential effect in vive on wound healing deserves further st udy.