Inhibitory effect of Avene spring water on vasoactive intestinal peptide-induced inflammation in surviving human skin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiinflammatory effect of Avene spring water on skin fragments stimulated by a neuromediator vasoactive int estinal peptide (VIP). Skin fragments (from plastic surgery) were maintaine d for 6 h. To induce inflammation, VIP was applied on contact with the derm is by culture medium. Cellulose patches containing Avene spring water were applied over the epidermis at the same time. Histological analysis was then performed on hematoxylin and eosin stained slides. Edema was evaluated wit h semiquantitative scores. Vasodilation was studied by calculating the perc entage of dilated vessels according to scores and by measuring the surface of these dilated vessels by morphometrical image analysis. Tumor necrosis f actor (TNF)-alpha dosage was made on culture supernatants. Edema was signif icantly increased after application of VIP compared with untreated skin. Tr eatment with cellulose patches containing Avene spring water showed decreas ed edema In comparison with cellulose patches containing distilled water. V asodilation was significantly increased after application of VIR After trea tment with Avene spring water, the percentage and the surface of dilated ve ssels were significantly decreased, Moreover, treatment with cellulose patc hes containing Avene spring water showed a decrease in TNF-alpha compared w ith skins treated with VIP.