Keratinization Process Research Articles

On the keratin fibrils of the skin: An X-ray small angle scattering study of the horny layer

The horny layer of the skin has been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction. The fibrils of the horny layer are found to be independently scattering and are therefore assumed to be irregularly arranged. Slope- and peak-analysis of the oriented scatter gives a fibril diameter of 260 A. The aggregation of seven tonofibrils into the 260 A fibril of the horny layer is considered to be the main step in the keratinization process of the epidermis.

The action of an extract of naphthalan oil on the epidermis of the embryo and its effect on the take-up of radiosulfur (S35-methionine)

Experiments were performed on rat's fetuses from the 17th to the 20th day of their development. The author studied the normal histogenesis and reactive changes occurring in the epidermis by injection of an extract of naphthalan oil into it. Morphological observations were compared with the study of the intensity of S35 incorporation during the course of normal histogenesis and development of the reactive process in the epithelium. The comparison of morphological and autoradiographical data demonstrated a conformity between the initial stage of the keratinization of the stratum and a selective increase of the intensity of S35 incorporation in the keratinizing cells and those which are preparatory to keratinization. An analogous regularity has been revealed, experimentally, in artificial stimulation of processes of keratinization in the epidermis. The increase of S35 incorporation intensity in the traumatized epithelium does not exceed the level of its accumulation by the normal epidermis of the more mature embryos. A suggestion is made that normal histogenesis and reactive changes of the embryonic epithelum are based on general regularities.

Deficient water-binding in pathological horny layers.

THE pathogenesis of most scaling skin conditions is obscure. Although it has been often assumed that abnormal processes of keratinization play a major part, recent work has emphasized the importance of the water-soluble components of the horny layer. These components contribute to the water-binding ability and pliability of the normal skin surface1; their amounts are reduced in psoriatic scales2 and skin3.

Insensible Perspiration and Keratinization Process

ConclusionsHyperproduction of keratin in the epidermis causes an increase of insensible perspination. It seems probable that physiologically, too, one part of the insensible perspiration is contributed by the keratinization process in consequence to the dehydration of Malpighian cells.

STUDIES ON OINTMENTS

Unna¹expressed the opinion that all substances which are capable of withdrawing oxygen from the tissue promote the process of keratinization and are what he termed keratoplastic. Besides the purely chemical action, however, Jadassohn²pointed out that other factors, biologic and physical, have to be considered. Sulfur, because of its keratolytic, keratoplastic, antipruritic and antiparasitic action, is one of the most important drugs in dermatology and a common constituent of many pastes, ointments, lotions and proprietary remedies. The dermatologist is most interested in the local action of sulfur. I attempted to compare the local action of sulfur in various concentrations in different bases. Before going on with the report of my findings, a short review of the pharmacologic action of sulfur, as far as it is known, will be given. <h3>THE PHARMACOLOGIC ACTION OF SULFUR</h3> Elementary sulfur occurs in many modifications, which differ from each other in physical