The influence of hydration status on ion transport in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) skin—An in vitro study

Abstract

The preservation of physiological transport of ions and water content is particularly important for maintaining the skin barrier, touch and pain stimuli, as well as the initiation of skin regeneration processes, especially after treatments associated with breaking skin continuity and wound healing difficulties. The aim of the study was to assess changes in ion transport, measured as values of transepithelial electric resistance and potential difference in stationary conditions and during mechanical-chemical stimulations, depending on the hydration status of isolated rabbit skin specimens. The specimens were divided into five groups: control (n = 22), dehydrated in 10% NaCl (n = 30), rehydrated after dehydration (n = 26), dried at 37°C (n = 26), and rehydrated after drying (n = 25). Dehydrated tissue samples showed altered resistance compared to the control; this change was maintained regardless of rehydration. In the dehydrated samples, changes in the measured electric potential were also noted, which returned to values comparable with the control after rehydration. Dehydrated skin, regardless of the cause of dehydration, responds with changes in the transport of sodium and chloride ions and the altered cellular microenvironment. It could influence the perception of stimuli, particularly pain, and slow down the regeneration processes.

Characterization and Strength Quality of the Oryctolagus cuniculus Leather Compared to Oreochromis niloticus Leather

“…Rabbit skin is a by-product that can be processed with or without hair to obtain, after a tanning process, a raw material with high softness, elasticity, and beauty, for its softness to the touch and with an extremely delicate flower design (surface of the skin without hair) [6,7]. After the tanning process, the leather is transformed into a beautiful product when well-handled during rearing and slaughter and can be directed to the different tanning techniques, and the two results, with or without hair, are excellent in terms of final raw material, differentiating in the aspect of its applicability in clothing, mainly in the article [8].…”

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

“…Relatively fast-acting preparations, including gel preparations, are prepared with substances that improve skin penetration [ 15 , 16 ]. The skin’s ability to respond to internal and external stimuli is closely correlated with changes in ion transport, especially sodium and chloride ions [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. The transport of sodium ions in the skin occurs through epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) located on keratinocytes [ 20 ].…”

“…Drugs can change the transport of ions, especially sodium absorption and chloride release, influencing cell functions and the perception of stimuli [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Both the level of skin hydration and the hydration of individual cells belong to essential factors affecting the adequate perception of stimuli, including pain stimuli, and the reaction to them.…”

“…The proper state and reactivity of the skin are related to its homeostasis in the transport of water and ions within the cells of the skin tissue [ 17 , 23 ]. Changes in the water transport across skin cell membranes to and from intercellular space result from changes in the transport of ions, mainly sodium and chloride [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…Due to the similarity to human skin in terms of similar sensitivity to chemical substances, such as xenobiotics, rabbit skin seems to be a suitable object to assess the effect of various compounds on ion transport [ 17 ]. The obtained results can be related to the human skin [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The research model used fragments of rabbit skin with preserved layering and nerve endings.…”