Detection of oxidative species and low-molecular-weight DNA in skin following dermal exposure with JP-8 jet fuel.

Dermal absorption of JP-8 jet fuel can lead to skin irritation within hours after exposure. This study detected the formation of oxidative species and low-molecular-weight DNA in rat skin as potential indicators of JP-8-induced skin injury. At 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after the beginning of a 1-h exposure, skin samples were removed and analyzed for oxidative species formation and low-molecular-weight DNA analysis. At 1, 2 and 4 h, mean oxidative species levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) above unexposed samples. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) low-molecular-weight DNA values were observed at 4 and 6 h compared with unexposed controls. These results demonstrate significant increases in oxidative species and low-molecular-weight DNA levels in the skin following dermal exposure to JP-8. These responses may serve as indicators of skin injury following exposure to JP-8 jet fuel and other volatile chemicals or mixtures.