Effects of transdermal penetration enhancers on the permeability of shed snakeskin.

The effects of Azone and lauryl alcohol on the permeability of shed snakeskin were examined. Permeability of a variety of compounds through shed snakeskin was increased after Azone or lauryl alcohol pretreatment but the magnitude of the enhancement varied depending on the lipophilicity and the molecular size of the permeant. It was found that the shed snakeskin became more permeable after Azone or lauryl alcohol pretreatment, with a greater permeability increase for more hydrophilic and larger-molecular size permeants. As has been shown for untreated shed snakeskins, both the lipophilicity and the molecular size of the permeants are important in skin penetration and in determining the effects of transdermal penetration enhancers.