Development of a new in vitro test for dermal phototoxicity using a model of reconstituted human epidermis (EpiDermTM)

Results are reported using the human epidermis model (EpiDermtrade mark) in a test protocol that was adopted from the method developed by ZEBET for phototoxicity testing with the model Skin2. In the new phototoxicity test the cytotoxicity of test materials applied topically to EpiDermtrade mark is determined at five concentrations in the absence and presence of a non-cytotoxic dose of UVA and visible light (sun simulation). Cytotoxicity is determined one day after irradiation in the MTT assay. Experiments performed to optimise test conditions are presented. Using appropriate phototoxic and non-phototoxic test chemicals our results demonstrate that a reconstructed human epidermal model, e.g. EpiDermtrade mark, can be used in phototoxicity testing in the same way as a full skin model.