Abstract
Percutaneous absorption and skin metabolism of 3H-hydrocortisone butyrate propionate, as a diester derivative of hydrocortisone, were studied in vivo. The agent was dissolved in saline and applied to the shaved abdominal skin of dogs. Most of the absorbed hydrocortisone butyrate propionate was present in an unmetabolized form in the stratum corneum. In the stratum corneum-removed skin, 80% of the corticosteroid in rats and about 50% in dogs were found as metabolites. Therefore, the esterase activity in this layer is stronger than in the stratum corneum, and rats have stronger esterase activity than dogs. It appears that skin metabolism significantly affects the biological activity of esterified corticosteroid.
