Petrolatum: interference with the oxidation of arachidonic acid

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Abstract
Microsomal preparations from petrolatum-treated wound skin contained significantly less arachidonic acid-dependent oxidative capacity compared to activities in untreated wounded skin (P < 0.001). Microsomes from untreated and petrolatum-treated wounded skin produced similar quantities of PG[prostaglandin]E2 and PGF2.alpha.; microsomal lipoxygenase activity in petrolatum-treated wounded skin was depressed compared to that in untreated wounded skin. Microsomal preparations from normal pig skin treated with petrolatum oxidized arachidonic acid at a similar rate to those from untreated control skin. Increasing quantities of petrolatum progressively inhibited PGE2 and PGF2.alpha. synthesis by fetal calf skin microsomes in vitro as determined by arachidonic acid oxidation and the quantification of radioactive product. Topical application of banal compounds that contain lipid substances may alter the cutaneous inflammatory response by local suppression of pathways that generate hydroxy-fatty acids, substances that are known to be chemotactic and pro-inflammatory.