Application of 3T3 neutral red uptake to phototoxicity assay in cosmetic products

  Objective   To evaluate the 3T3 Mouse Fibroblast neutral red uptake phototoxicity test(3T3 NRU-PT) method detecting potential phototoxicity of cosmetic products.

  Methods   20 kinds of function cosmetics were detected with the 3T3 NRU-PT(in vitro)and Guinea pig skin phototoxicity test(in vivo), The potential phototoxicity of cosmetics was evaluated in a prediction model in which either the Photo irritation Factor(PIF)or the Mean Photo Effect(MPE)were determined by PHOTO32, using ROC analysis to compare the coherence and sensitive of the method.

  Results   The skin phototoxicity test showed that for the 20 kinds of function cosmetics, all animals responses value(ery thema and edema) < 2.For 3T3 NRU PT.all PIF values < 5, MPE < 0.1, That means whetherin vitro or in vivo, the phototoxicity responses were all negative.The sensitivity(or true positive rate), specificity, positive and negative predictive value, Youden index, Kappa indexall is Ⅰ.The data between in vitro and in vivo was consistent.

  Conclusion   The 3T3 NRUPT testhas the same good internal consistency and reappearance as animal test.It may be a good alternative method for assessing the potential phototoxicity of cosmetic products in future.