Effect of sodium lauryl sulphate and nickel alone and in combination on the skin of guinea pigs

Guinea pig skin was treated with 50 mg/kg sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and nickel (Ni) alone and in combination (50 mg/kg SLS and 50 mg/kg Ni) for 7 and 14 days. Release of Acid Phosphatase, Alkaline Phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, beta-glucuronidase, lactic dehydrogenase and malic dehydrogenase was observed, following treatment with SLS and Ni alone or in combination. Similarly, the skin contents of amino nitrogen and sulphydryl groups also increased significantly. These alterations were slightly more marked when the skin was treated simultaneously with the combination of SLS and Ni. The present study suggests that industrial workers or populations exposed simultaneously to SLS and Ni are more prone to dermal irritation or inflammation.