Modelling dermal pharmacokinetics using in vitro data. Part I. Fluazifop-butyl in the rat

Parallel dermal subcompartments for modeling chemical absorption

Understanding the absorption of chemicals through the skin is of importance to many fields of study. Biologically-based models can be used to simulate the absorption process and predict the rate of absorption and the amount of the chemical in various parts of the body and skin. When these models consist of physiological and biochemical parameters that can be measured, they can be extremely useful. When a model is appropriately validated, the results can be extrapolated across species to predict the effect of human exposure. In this paper we develop two new physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models which predict the concentration of Dibromomethane in the blood of rats after dermal vapor exposure. These two new models expand a previously developed homogeneous skin model by adding parallel skin subcompartments to represent skin appendages and layered subcompartments to represent the distinct layers of the skin. The predictions of these new models match the experimental data better than the original homogeneous model, as well as being more physiologically descriptive. Sensitivity analysis showed us which parameters were the most sensitive to change and thus revealing the parameters we should be most concerned with measuring. After being properly validated, these models could be a great improvement over previous models in the ability to extrapolate results for different species, doses, and durations.

Human volunteer studies with non-pharmaceutical chemicals: metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies

1. Human volunteer studies are an essential part of drug development but their use in the area of non-pharmaceutical chemicals has so far been very limited. Such studies can have considerable value in the assessment and improvement of the safe use of chemicals. 2. Once metabolic pathways and target metabolites have been identified in volunteers this information can be used in studies in the workplace or in the general population. Studies should be performed selectively only if there is both a toxic hazard and a significant exposure potential. In addition, they should only be carried out if the required information cannot be obtained in any other way. 3. Volunteer studies with non-pharmaceuticals have become increasingly acceptable in the light of established international guidelines, no-fault compensation, improvements in study design and technical developments which allow the use of very low dose levels. The final decision on whether to carry out a study must always rest with an independent ethical committee. 4. The practical aspects of the study should be specified in a detailed protocol conforming with the principles of good clinical practice. The safety of volunteers must be of paramount concern throughout. Depending on the nature of the chemical and the study, it may be advisable to carry out studies in a clinical facility where equipment is available for the treatment of any emergencies that might occur. 5. Numerous investigators have now shown that human volunteer studies are ethically acceptable, practicable and yield important information. The risk to volunteers is minimal and this approach can lead to an improved foundation for occupational hygiene standards, more accurate risk assessment and thus better protection of the workforce and the general population.

Modelling dermal pharmacokinetics using in vitro data. Part II. Fluazifop-butyl in man

In a previous paper it was demonstrated that dermal absorption of the herbicide fluazifop-butyl in the rat could be modelled by combining a knowledge of the pharmacokinetics following intravenous and oral dosing with in vitro measurements of dermal absorption. This paper demonstrates the validation of a similar model for the dermal absorption of fluazifop-butyl in man. Pharmacokinetic parameters derived from an oral dosing study are combined in a mathematical model with in vitro measurements of dermal absorption of fluazifop-butyl. Model predictions of the rate and extent of dermal absorption of fluazifop-butyl are compared with the results of dermal absorption studies in human volunteers. Good agreement is found between the model predictions and the experimental measurements. These results have implications for improved risk assessment. The model provides a tool for risk assessment based on both internal dose (e.g. peak plasma concentration, plasma area under the curve) as well as total absorbed dose. However, further work is required to evaluate whether the same techniques are applicable to a wider range of compounds.