Reduction of anthralin-induced inflammation by application of amines.

Twenty-two primary, secondary, and tertiary amines were studied to determine whether they could reduce anthralin-induced inflammation. Amine solutions of 0.18 mol/L were applied after anthralin application to normal forearm skin. Inflammation was measured with the use of Harpenden calipers by the increase in skin thickness at 48 hours. Inflammation was reduced by 66% to 95% with the use of nine different amines. There was no overall correlation between the inhibiting effect and either amine basicity or octanol/water partition coefficient. However, within each of the series of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkylamines there appeared to be some correlation between inhibitory effect and alkyl chain size, which may reflect differences in transdermal flux. Some of these amines are used in cosmetics and skin cleansers and could help reduce the inflammation that accompanies anthralin therapy for psoriasis.