Transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration and transmission electron microscope observation on acetone damaged canine skin barrier model

The purpose of this study is to establish experimental canine skin barrier disruption model in dog. The study was designed to investigate the predictive properties of acetone damage using as effect parameters transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum (SC) hydration. To compare the structures of SC intercellular lipids in normal and acetone damaged skin, TEM observations were performed. Six clinically normal, male Beagles without dermatological problems were chosen for this study. Acetone damage was performed at 48hrs after clipping. Efficacy measurements for TEWL and skin hydration were performed before (t₁) and after (t₂) damage in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room (20-22°C, 50-60%). TEWL and SC hydration values were decreased in the acetone damaged model compared with non damaged skin. In TEM observation of acetone damaged sample, the intercellular lipid lamellae exhibit abnormal and incomplete structure compared with those of normal skin. It seems that acetone damage would be one of canine skin epidermal barrier disruption model for the study of canine atopic dermatitis (AD) as well as dry skin in veterinary dermatology research.