Use of skin cell cultures for in vitro assessment of corrosion and cutaneous irritancy

Skin cell culture is one of the most promising tools for in vitro evaluation of both cutaneous irritancy and corrosion. New culture methodologies, including three-dimensional reconstruction of skin, allow the evaluation of a wide range of compounds and complex formulations. A number of tests have already been developed for the evaluation of cytotoxicity and many end-points are now currently used, including cell viability, alteration of cell growth or cell function. In recent years parameters more closely related to in vivo irritancy effects such as synthesis of inflammatory mediators and/or their release by keratinocytes after exposure to potential skin irritants have been evaluated. This paper reviews technological aspects and results of validation using skin cell culture for in vitro assessment of corrosion and skin irritancy. Advantages and limits of skin cell cultures are also presented. Current questions about the validation process of cutaneous irritation and corrosion are also considered.