The use of mechanistically defined chemical mixtures (MDCM) to assess mixture component effects on the percutaneous absorption and cutaneous disposition of topically exposed chemicals. II. Development of a general dermatopharmacokinetic model for use in risk assessment.

We present a conceptual approach to a general comprehensive mathematical model to quantify percutaneous absorption of topically applied chemicals in complex mixtures on the basis of biophysical parameters estimated or measured using in vitro and ex vivo perfused skin preparations. This model addresses mechanistically defined chemical mixtures (MDCM) which consist of components selected because of their potential to modulate by various mechanisms the absorption of a marker toxic penetrant. This model accounts for observed toxicodynamic general and specific effects of chemicals, acting single or in concert, on the absorption of any or all components in a defined mixture. We have also included experimental data from an isolated perfused porcine skin flap study with topically applied parathion as the marker penetrant and acetone or DMSO as solvent, with methyl nicotinate as a potential rubefacient, sodium laurel sulfate as a surfactant, and stannous chloride as a reducing agent in order to provide an illustration of the application and performance of the model. This model supports the MDCM concept that defining and then simulating those components of a complex mixture that could have a significant impact on the absorption of a marker toxic compound would be a useful screening approach in the risk assessment of topical chemical mixtures. It may also be used to identify critical pathways where chemical mixture component interactions significantly modify the absorption of the penetrant of interest.