Techniques for assessing the activity of topically applied XXXX .

@entity1 @entity4878 @entity42817 @entity1968 @entity5657
The retinoid drugs have profound effects on many aspects of skin biology. The exact activity profile depends on the particular analog and its route of administration. The topical @entity4878 used at present have marked therapeutic effects on epidermal cell production and desquamation. @entity1968 ( @entity1968 ) also acts on dermal connective tissue and microvasculature in a way that is less well established but may also be of therapeutic benefit. We investigated both @entity1968 and motretinide in normal subjects and in @entity1 with @entity5657 . The quantitative @entity42817 test has been particularly useful in monitoring the desquamatory action of these topically applied @entity4878 . Both compounds resulted in enhanced rates of epidermopoiesis and desquamation. Marked changes in the cytochemical profile of the epidermis were also detected, changes that differed somewhat from the alterations induced by the systemic administration of etretinate. Changes in dermal structure and vascularization were monitored by A-scan ultrasound and laser Doppler flowmetry. However, only minor changes were recorded, probably because of the comparatively short application time. These newer techniques for investigating skin structure and function offer considerable opportunities for delineating the action of @entity4878 .
