The constancy of stratum corneum thickness suggests an ordered decrease in intracorneal cohesion binding forces. In this study, intracorneal cohesion was measured in the vertical dimension by cohesography and the number of cells released after applying a standardized stimulus was determined before and after repeated stripping of the same sites with adhesive tape. In addition, surface replicas and the corneocytes from different levels were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and differential phase interference microscopy. The results indicate a gradual loss of cohesion within the stratum corneum towards the surface and that anatomical changes take place in the corneocytes as they progress towards the surface.
The non-eczematous but 'dry' skin of twelve patients with eczema has been studied and contrasted with skin from similar sites in control subjects of similar age and sex and with patients with autosomal dominant ichthyosis. The areas investigated were examined histologically and by techniques for assessment of the stratum corneum structure and function. The 'dry' skin sites demonstrated increased intracorneal cohesion, increased total epidermal thickness, patchy parakeratosis and in places slight hypergranulosis. It is concluded that the dry skin condition of patients with atopic eczema is not autosomal dominant ichthyosis and is probably eczematous in nature.
A technique for the isolation of human stratum corneum cells from any depth within the horny layer is described. Examination of the cells by light, scanning and transmission electron microscope permits a detailed morphological profile of the plasma membrane to be constructed. It is suggested that the technique will be of particular value in determining the effect of chemical agents on the cellular components of the horny layer.
Synopsis The function of the stratum corneum is dependent on the functions of its constituent parts. This paper focusses on corneocyte dimensions and the implications of change in dimension for function. A technique in which it is possible to obtain a value for corneocyte thickness is described. The changes in corneocyte dimensions with age and site and after topical applications are documented. Techniques which measure the rate of desquamation are also described. The rate of passive corneocyte loss has been estimated by counting the numbers of corneocytes shed into chambers fixed to the skin surface. In addition the corneocyte loss after a standardized rotational stimulus to the skin surface has been measured. Scanning and transmission electron microscope examination of corneocytes obtained by a scrub procedure is also described. A preliminary report on an immunological approach to the study of the biochemistry of corneocytes and stratum corneum is also included.
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