Kietzmann, M. and B. Blume. Percutaneous Absorption of Betamethasone from Different Formulations Using the Isolated Pefused Bovine Udder. In Vitro Toxicol. 1997. 10(1): 11-15.

betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate - 05593-20-4

Using udders from slaughtered cows, the percutaneous absorption of betamethasone-17,21-diproprionate was tested. The organ was perfused with gassed tyrode solution for up to 6 hour. A region of udder skin (100 cm²) was treated topically with betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate as an ingredient of solution, cream, and ointment (Diprosone) and as ingredient of gel and ointment (Diprosis, with propylene glycol as an additional ingredient). Betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate was measured in perfusate fractions by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

A maximum absorption rate of betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate was found after administration of the ointment with propylene glycol (Diprosis ointment). The treatment with acetone caused an increase of the absorption rate after application of betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate as ointment, while no increase was measurable after administration of the solution.

In conclusion, the isolated perfused bovine udder is an in vitro model, which maintains bovine udder skin with an isolated vasculature in a viable state. Using this in vitro model, it is possible to compare the dermal penetration and absorption of substances after topical administration of different drug formulations.