Characterization of the canine skin barrier restoration following acute disruption by tape stripping

Abstract

The stratum corneum (SC) forms the main part of the permeability barrier of the skin. In mice and in humans, cutaneous barrier disruption can be generated by removing the SC with tape stripping (TS) and the skin barrier function can be assessed by measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The aim of the present study was to characterize the skin barrier restoration in the dog following mechanical disruption and to analyse the correlation between the skin barrier recovery and TEWL measurement. Thirty sequential TS were performed on 12 sites on four healthy beagle dogs. The number of TS was chosen to ensure a sufficient barrier disruption with a slow recovery. Skin repair was assessed for 72 h by clinical and histological examinations, and TEWL measurements. The results showed that performing 30 TS was adequate to disrupt the skin barrier in the dog. The homeostatic repair response, initiated in the skin, was rapid and characterized by complete restoration of the SC within 72 h, accompanied by greater basal cell proliferation, and dermal eosinophilic inflammation. TEWL was significantly increased by complete removal of the SC but recovered along with restoration of the SC (Scheffe test, P ≤ 0.05). Characterization of a canine model of barrier disruption and restoration and assessment of the skin barrier function by TEWL measurements could help better understand the events implied in skin barrier function. Development of this canine model is also necessary for future studies on the effects of treatments aimed at restoring the skin barrier.

The effect of Psoroptes ovis infestation on ovine epidermal barrier function

“…These observations are consistent with an earlier report of P. ovis causing a significant dermal infiltrate, comprising principally eosinophils, accompanied by and neutrophils, 24 h after infestation of naïve sheep [46]. Although a consistent feature 4 days post infestation with P. ovis [46], epidermal hyperplasia was not observed in the present study probably due to the very early nature (1–24 hpi) of the lesions examined [47]. In calves the histological responses to P. ovis infestation, although similar to those described in sheep, appear to develop more slowly with only minimal histological changes reported 7 days after the application of two doses of mites at an interval of 21 days [48].…”

Desmosomal Cadherins

“…Disruption of genes encoding DCs that are expressed in upper epidermis (i.e., Dsc1 and Dsg4) results in defective desmosomal adhesion, but also causes altered keratinocyte differentiation and increased proliferation (Chidgey et al 2001;Kljuic et al 2003). It is possible that damage to the skin's barrier function could be partially responsible for these changes (Vidémont et al 2012). However, altered differentiation and increased proliferation are seen in some transgenic mice that show no obvious loss of barrier function.…”

A moisturizer formulated with glycerol and propylene glycol accelerates the recovery of skin barrier function after experimental disruption in dogs

“…At each test site, a new piece of tape was applied, pressed on with finger pressure for 10 s, then removed in one swift motion. 22…”

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Efficacy of moisturizers can be assessed either in clinical studies or in experimental models with artificially damaged skin. In humans, 20 laboratory animals 21 and dogs, 22 mechanical disruption of the skin barrier can be generated by removing the SC through repeated applications of adhesive tape, a procedure known as tape stripping (TS). The integrity and the restoration of the skin barrier function then can be assessed in different ways.…”

“…24 In dogs, TEWL also has been used widely for the evaluation of skin barrier integrity. 5,22,25,26 Ermidr a spray (ICF; Palazzo Pignano, Italy) is one of many moisturizers available for veterinary use and is indicated for xerosis in dogs. The primary components of this product are humectants including glycerol, dexpanthenol and propylene glycol, which are either freely distributed in the product or micro-encapsulated by cyclodextrins and liposomes (which are intended to enhance penetration and provide progressive release of the moisturizing agent).…”