In Vitro Percutaneous Absorption of Nonylphenol (NP) and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE-4 and NPE-9) in Isolated Perfused Skin

Abstract

Skin contact with nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE), a group of widely used surfactants, is the primary source of human exposure. Previous studies have shown that the absorption of NPE through human and animal skin in vitro is limited (<1% over 8 hr) [Monteiro-Riviere et al. Toxicol Indust Health 2000; 16:49–57]. The purpose of this study was to examine the percutaneous absorption of NPE and the chemical precursor, nonylphenol (NP), in the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF) model for comparison to the in vitro porcine skin flow through (PSFT) diffusion studies. The IPPSF model is considered to accurately predict absorption of chemicals through human skin. The IPPSF was dosed with 100 μl of 1% 14C ring-labeled NP, 14C ring-labeled NPE-4, or 14C ring-labeled NPE-9 in aqueous polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) solution and perfused for 8 hr. All three chemicals were minimally absorbed, with only approximately 0.1% of the applied dose found in the perfusate over the 8-hr collection. This absorbed material represents the systemic exposure expected following skin contact in humans. In addition, less than 1% of the applied dose penetrated into the stratum corneum and underlying dermis, but remained within the skin and did not go through to the perfusate. Thus, the overall potential systemic exposure to these chemicals from skin contact, using a model considered similar to human skin in vivo, is less than 1%. The absorption results of this study were consistent with previous studies in the PSFT model. The penetration of NPEs and NP in the IPPSF was less than the PSFT and is probably more predictive of in vivo human absorption as this model is physiologically closer to human skin. This suggests that the overall potential for skin absorption of these chemicals in humans is even lower than previous estimates.