2.4 Dermal irritation study
The primary skin irritation potential of SC-CO2
extracted fat and oil was examined in six male New
Zealand White albino rabbits weight range 2-3 kg from the
Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart Universit in
accordance with the OECD guideline number 404 (OECD,
2002). Within 24 h prior to experiments, the backs of the
rabbits were shaved with an electric clipper to expose an
approximate area of 2.5x 2.5cm2
, avoiding cuts or abrasion
on their skins. At each animal 0.5 g of test sample, either
the fat or oil extracts, was applied to the exposed skin. All
the test sites were covered with gauze patches and held in
place for 4 h using tape and elastic bandage. The treated
sites were cleaned of residual fat and oil with lukewarm
water and then dried. Adjacent areas of untreated skin for
each animal were treated with distilled water as controls.
All the animals were examined for skin irritation at
approximately 24, 48 and 72 h after removal of dressing
and patches. Erythema and edema were scored on a scale
of 0-4, as 0 indicating no reaction and 4 representing severe
erythema with slight eschar formation or severe edema.
Dermal histopathology was not performed.