In vitro absorption of some o-phthalate diesters through human and rat skin

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8774223· OSTI ID:5394027

Scott, R C; Dugard, P H; Ramsey, J D; Rhodes, C

The absorption of undiluted phthalate diesters (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)) has been measured in vitro through human and rat epidermal membranes. Epidermal membranes were set up in glass diffusion cells and their permeability to tritiated water measured to establish the integrity of the skin before the phthalate esters were applied to the epidermal surface. Absorption rates for each phthalate ester were determined and a second tritiated water permeability assessment made to quantify any irreversible alterations in barrier function due to contact with the esters. Rat skin was consistently more permeable to phthalate esters than the human skin. As the esters became more lipophilic and less hydrophilic, the rate of absorption was reduced. Contact with the esters caused little change in the barrier properties of human skin, but caused marked increases in the permeability to water of rat skin. Although differences were noted between species, the absolute rates of absorption measured indicate that the phthalate esters are slowly absorbed through both human and rat skin.

• Research Organization: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC, Cheshire, England
• OSTI ID: 5394027
• Journal Information: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Vol. 74
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
SKIN ABSORPTION
PHTHALIC ACID ESTERS
ABDOMEN
IN VITRO
MAN
RATS
SKIN
SOLUBILITY
ABSORPTION
ANIMALS
BODY
BODY AREAS
ESTERS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RODENTS
UPTAKE
VERTEBRATES
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