Iontophoresis
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2008-06-27T15:31:35Z
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corrected "over-excessive" to "excessive"
{{Cleanup|date=February 2007}}
'''Iontophoresis''' is a non-invasive method of propelling high concentrations of a charged substance, normally medication or bioactive-agents, transdermally by repulsive electromotive force using a small electrical charge applied to an iontophoretic chamber containing a similarly charged active agent and its vehicle. To clarify, one or two chambers are filled with a solution containing an active ingredient and its solvent, termed the vehicle. The positively charged chamber, termed the [[anode]] will repel a positively charged chemical, while the negatively charged chamber, termed the [[cathode]], will repel a negatively charged chemical into the skin.
Iontophoresis is well classified for use in transdermal drug delivery. Unlike transdermal patches, this method relies on active transportation within an electric field. In the presence of an electric field [[electromigration]] and [[electroosmosis]] are the dominant forces in mass transport. These movements are measured in units of chemical [[flux]], commonly '''µmol/cm<sup>2</sup>h'''. For more information see [[Fick's law of diffusion|Fick's Law of Diffusion]].
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[[Image:ionto.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Iontophoresis]]
==Mechanism==
There are a number of factors that influence iontophoretic transport including skin pH, drug concentration and characteristics, ionic competition, molecular size, current, voltage, time applied and skin resistance. The current density of the treatment electrode is perhaps the most important variable relative to the degree of ion transfer. Studies suggest that comparable iontophoretic doses delivered at low currents over longer periods are more effective than those delivered by high currents over a short periods (Anderson et al, 2003).
The [[isoelectric]] point of the skin is ~4; therefore, under physiological conditions, with the surface of the skin also buffered at or near 7.4, the membrane has a net negative charge and electroosmotic flow is from cathode (-) to anode (+). The phenomenon of [[electroosmosis]] has been used as a means to augment the anodic delivery of (in particular) large, positively charged drugs, the transport numbers of which are often extremely small (and whose iontophoretic enhancement therefore depends heavily upon [[electroosmosis]]) and to promote the transdermal migration of uncharged, yet polar, molecules, the passive permeation of which is typically very small.
The application of a charge to the skin alters the skin’s permeability increasing migration of the active ingredient into the [[Epidermis (skin)|epidermis]]. There are a number of pathways that the ingredients could take, but research suggests that the majority of drugs permeate the skin via [[appendageal]] pores, including hair follicles and sweat glands, although some delivery is via the [[paracellular]] channels and minimal quantities are [[transcellular]].
Transport of lipophilic drug molecules is believed to be facilitated by its dissolution into the lipid matrix of the [[stratum corneum]] however hydrophilic drugs which are thought to permeate through the open pores or cutaneous appendages (hair follicle and sebaceous glands) only accounts for 0.1% of the total skin surface area.<ref>Katrin Moser et al, Passive skin penetration enhancement and its quantification ''in vitro''. 2001. J Pharm.</ref>
==Uses==
Reverse iontophoresis is the term used to describe the process whereby molecules are removed from within the body for detection. In reverse iontophoresis the negative charge of the skin at buffered pH causes it to be permselective to cations causing solvent flow towards the anode. This flow is the dominant force allowing movement of neutral molecules, including glucose, across the skin. This technology is currently being used in such devices as the GlucoWatch which allows for blood glucose detection across skin layers using reverse iontophoresis.
Iontophoresis is commonly used by physical therapists for the application of [[anti-inflammatory]] medications. Common diagnoses treated with Iontophoresis include [[plantar fasciitis]], [[bursitis]] and [[hyperhidrosis]] <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sweaty-palms.com/iontophoresis.html| title=Iontophoresis and Hyperhidrosis |last=Reisfeld |first=Rafael | accessdate=2007-11-23}}</ref>. There are around ten current iontophoresis machines to treat hyperhidrosis<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.no-ets.com/forums| title=Iontophoresis experiences using various machines }}</ref>. Iontophoresis of [[Acetylcholine]] is used in research as a way to test the health of the [[endothelium]] by stimulating endothelium dependent generation of [[nitric oxide]] and subsequent microvascular vasodilation. Acetylcholine is positively charged and therefore placed in the anode.
Alternatively, iontophoresis can reduce sweat in particular body parts such as the hands and feet. Owing to the fact that excessive sweating is immensely irritating and embarrasing, iontophoresis could help reduce the sweating within a few treatments.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
==See also==
*[[Iontocaine]]
*[[Electrophoresis]]
*[[Phonophoresis]]
*[http://www.tv.com/quincy-m.e./quincys-wedding-1/episode/42361/summary.html Episode of TV series Quincy ME, featuring the use of iontophoresis to commit a murder]
==References==
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[[Category:Electrophoresis]]
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