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Penetration of Benzo[]pyrene into the Skin of Mice with Inherited Cutaneous Abnormalities¹

Roswell Park Memorial Institute, New York State Department of Health, Buffalo, New York

Penetration of benzo[]pyrene into the skin was measured in mice having unusual hair follicles or reduced numbers of hair follicles due to genetic mutation. Control animals consisted of sibling mice with a normal genetic background. The various mutant mice had large differences in the penetration of benzo[]-pyrene into their skin. Penetration was high in rhino and hairless skin, which had enlarged hair follicles with large sebaceous glands. Penetration was poor in ragged, opossum, and crinkled skin, which had a reduced number of hair follicles. These results support previous observations that anatomic characteristics are principal factors that affect the penetration of hydrocarbons in skin. The findings also suggest the use of specific lines of mutant mice for experiments where either the surface epithelium or deeper cutaneous structures are to be selectively exposed to hydrocarbon carcinogens.

¹ Supported in part by USPHS Grants CA 05091 and CA 10058.

² Present address: The Skin and Cancer Hospital, Temple University Health Sciences Center, 3322 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140.

Received 6/27/66. Accepted 10/27/66.