Sonophoresis Induces the Enhanced Permeation of Drug and Its Effect on Stratum Corneum

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of sonophoresis on both the transdermal permeation of lappaconitine hydrobromide and the micro-structure of stratum corneum. METHODS Drug-containing gel composed of carbomer 934 was prepared. In vitro transcutaneous delivery of lappaconitine hydrobromide with or without sonophoresis which frequencies were 800 kHz and 1 MKz, respectively, were carried out using rat skin and modified Franz diffusion cells. Drug concentration in receive cell was determined at scheduled intervals and the permeation parameters were calculated. The change of skin and stratum corneum after the treatment of sonophoresis was observed by both normal microscope and scanning electric microscope. RESULTS Sonophoresis at frequencies of 800 kHz and 1 MHz induced the enhancing rate of drug permeated to about 7-fold and 23-fold, respectively, compared to that of passive diffusion. The surface of stratum corneum was changed by the ultrasound. CONCLUSION Sonophoresis can enhance the transdermal permeation of lappaconitine hydrobromide notably and which was probable via the cavitation effect.