The Impact of Diclofenac Gel on Ion Transport in the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Skin: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Diclofenac belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. Diclofenac administration on the skin may be associated with the appearance of side effects. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of diclofenac gel on transepithelial electrophysiological parameters of the 55 rabbit abdomen skin specimens. The electric parameters were analyzed in a modified Ussing chamber. The resistance (R) of the skin specimens treated with diclofenac gel significantly increased, which could be related to the reduction in the water content in intercellular spaces and, consequently, tighter adhesion of the cells. Increased electric potential (PD) was also observed in the skin specimens treated with diclofenac gel. The increase in both R and PD measured under stationary conditions was most likely caused by a transient and reversible increase in sodium ion transport, as the R and PD values decreased after the diclofenac gel was washed away. However, diclofenac gel did not affect the maximum and minimum PDs measured during stimulations. Therefore, it seems that diclofenac gel does not affect the perception of stimuli in the model system used.

Chitosan–Glycolic Acid Gel Modification of Chloride Ion Transport in Mammalian Skin: An In Vitro Study

“…Maintaining a negative charge on the surface of skin cells depends on the proper transport of chloride ions to the surface of the skin and the penetration of sodium ions into the cells [ 27 , 31 , 32 ]. The use of ion transport inhibitors amiloride and bumetanide allowed the inhibition of the entire pathway for individual ions and obtaining layers, cells that cannot secrete chloride or absorb sodium [ 1 , 2 , 27 , 31 , 32 ]. A reduction of the potential measured in stationary conditions (PDinitial) was demonstrated in comparison with preparations treated with Ringer’s solution and with CGG ( Table 1 , Mann–Whitney, PDinitial).…”

“…A reduction of the potential measured in stationary conditions (PDinitial) was demonstrated in comparison with preparations treated with Ringer’s solution and with CGG ( Table 1 , Mann–Whitney, PDinitial). The reduction of the potential may result from the increased transport of chloride ions from the cell, and thus cause an influx of water in the intracellular direction [ 1 , 2 ]. After a series of stimulations, the potential value (PDfinal) does not differ from the control.…”

“…The absence of changes in the transepithelial transport of sodium ions after the use of CGG, both during stimulation and in case of prolonged action, is important for maintaining skin tissue homeostasis [ 31 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 43 , 53 ]. Each time, the intensification of the transport of sodium ions is associated with the movement of water towards the outer layers and its loss [ 1 , 31 , 37 ]. Additionally, the displacement of sodium ions is associated with the response to sensory stimuli [ 42 ] and the response to the triggers of local inflammation [ 43 , 53 ].…”

“…Increased secretion of chloride ions is achieved thanks to the activation of the CFTR transporter (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance). This channel also acts out the role of a cell volume regulator, by inhibiting the ENaC channel (epithelial Na channel) and stimulating other chloride ion transport channels present in the apical membrane of skin cells [ 1 , 27 , 31 , 32 ]. The stimulation of the CFTR channel is also associated with the inhibition of the 2Cl-K-Na cotransporter [ 54 ].…”

“…It is a biologically derived raw material and the second most common polymer after cellulose. Chitosan is well-known for its applicability as a biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic material for biomedical, food-related, supplemental and cosmetic use [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The unique properties of chitosan result from the presence of amine and hydroxyl functional groups in its structure [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”