LOCAL SUPPRESSION OF SEBUM SECRETION IN RATS BY TOPICAL CYPROTERONE-ACETATE IN ETHANOL

[摘要] Sebum production was measured on 2 symmetrically placed areas on the flanks of rats over alternating periods of 18 and 6 h for 4 days, by absorbing the lipid on pads of cigarette paper held in place by a specially designed harness. Castrated rats receiving testosterone produced about twice as much sebum as untreated littermate controls. Once daily application of ethanol to 1 flank significantly reduced sebum production, in comparison with the other flank in testosterone-treated but not in untreated rats. Daily application of 5 mg cyproterone acetate in ethanol to 1 flank in a 3rd group of rats significantly reduced sebum production in comparison with that of the other flank treated with vehicle only. The effects became significant within 24 h. It is likely that the sebaceeous glands received the topically applied materials by way of the pilo-sebaceous orifices rather than by transepidermal absorption. The results demonstrate that 1 action of cyproterone acetate is at the target site and suggest that the anti-androgen may be effective when applied topically. The method could prove useful in assessing the local action on sebaceous activity of topically applied substances.