ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the influence of skin layers(stratum corneum and dermis)on the percutaneous absorption of drug.METHODS:We chose hydroquinone(HQ)as a model drug and carried out in vitro permeation experiment with Franz device.The in vitro transdermal permeation was compared between HQ plus isopropyl myristate(IPM)and HQ alone.RESULTS:The permeability coefficient(Kp)of HQ via split skin was 3.29 times larger than that via whole skin layer.The permeability was enhanced 4.95 times(whole skin layer)and 7.49 times(skin without stratum corneum)respectively when coexisting with IPM via intact or via split skin.CONCLUSION:These data and methods represent a novel approach to evaluate the effects of skin damage and skin disease on drug percutaneous absorption.