476. A COMPARISON OF TWO 4% HYDROQUINONE PRODUCTS ON MELANOCYTE MORPHOLOGY.

---

Dong, K.K., Canning, M.T., Smiles, K.A., and Yarosh, D.B. AGI Dermatics, Freeport, NY 11520. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol., P1022, February 2007

Summary:
This study by scientists at AGI Dermatics demonstrated how MatTek's MelanoDerm 3-D human skin tissue equivalent containing both keratinocytes and melanocytes can be used as an in vitro test of the effectiveness of a novel skin whitening agent.

Hydroquinone inhibits melanin formation and is used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.

AGI Dermatics scientists investigated the depigmentation properties of a new lotion that contains 4% hydroquinone and L-ergothioneine and compared it to a previously available commercial lotion that contains 4% hydroquinone, 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide and 0.05% tretinoin.

Melanoderm-B tissues from MatTek (Ashland, MA) were treated daily with 2 ìl/cm^2 of each lotion for 7 days. Pictures were taken on day 0 – day 7 with a light microscope under 300X magnification.

After 7 days of culture, melanocytes in the untreated tissues exhibited an abundant amount of melanin and extensive dendritic processes.

The inserts treated with the new hydroquinone lotion lacked melanin, but the melanocytes still retained the dendritic processes. On the other hand, the inserts treated with the lotion that contained hydroquinone/fluocinolone acetonide/tretinoin had smaller melanocytes that lacked melanin.

Note (from MatTek Technical Service): Testing with HQ or HQ-containing formulations is complicated due toinstability of HQ under normal culture conditions. Please contact MatTek Corporation prior to performing Melano-Derm experiments with HQ-containing formulations.

====================

Request an Electronic Copy (PDF format) of this Technical Paper

====================

MelanoDerm Data Sheet

MelanoDerm Technical Specifications

MelanoDerm Technical References

---

Applications: Skin lightening/whitening, Skin pigmentation

Keywords: Hydroquinone, Hyperpigmentation, MEL-300-B, Melanin formation, Melanin score, MelanoDerm, Melanocyte morphology

Materials Tested: Acetonide, Ergothioneline, Fluocinolone 0/01%, Hydroquinone 4%, Tretinoin 0.05%

---