Planta Med 2003; 69(5): 385-389
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39718
Rapid Communication
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

A Comparative Study on the Skin Penetration of Pure Tryptanthrin and Tryptanthrin in Isatis tinctoria Extract by Dermal Microdialysis Coupled with Isotope Dilution ESI-LC-MS

Christine Oberthür1 , Christian Heinemann2 , Peter Elsner2 , Eva Benfeldt3 , Matthias Hamburger1
  • 1Institute of Pharmacy, University of Jena, Germany
  • 2Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Jena, Germany
  • 3Department of Dermatology, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Denmark
Further Information

Publication History

Received: January 30, 2003

Accepted: March 26, 2003

Publication Date:
12 June 2003 (online)

Abstract

The indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline alkaloid tryptanthrin has recently been identified as a pharmacologically active compound in Isatis tinctoria, with potent dual inhibitory activity on prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. To investigate the skin penetration of tryptanthrin from solutions of pure compound and Isatis extracts, we developed and validated a cutaneous microdialysis model using ex vivo pig foreleg. Microdialysis was performed by placing linear probes in the dermis of the skin in situ, and tryptanthrin concentrations in the dialysates were determined by isotope dilution electrospray ionization LC-MS in the selected ion mode. Measurable concentrations of tryptanthrin were detected 30 min after application. A dose-dependent increase in tryptanthrin concentrations in the dialysate was observed for the Isatis extracts, but not for pure tryptanthrin. Microscopic analysis showed that the pure compound crystallized from the solution but remained in an amorphous state in the extracts.

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Prof. Dr. Matthias Hamburger

Institute of Pharmacy

University of Jena

Semmelweisstraße 10

07743 Jena

Germany

Email: B7HAMA@uni-jena.de

Fax: +49-3641-949-842

Phone: +49-3641-949-840

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