Structures of the Ceramides from Porcine Palatal Stratum Corneum

Abstract

Ceramides are the major type of lipid found in stratum corneum from the skin, gingiva and hard palate. The present study examined the ceramides of the stratum corneum from the hard palate. Six fractions of ceramides were isolated by preparative thin-layer chromatography. The least polar fraction contained an unusual acyl ceramide (EOS) consisting of long x-hydroxy acids amide-linked to sphingosine with mostly saturated fatty acids ester-linked to the x-hydroxyl group. The second and third fractions contained normal fatty acids amide-linked to sphingosine (NS) and phytosphingosine (NP), respectively. In each of these ceramides, the fatty acids consisted of a mixture of saturated and monoenoic species. The three most polar fractions all contain amide-linked a-hydroxy acids. The fourth fraction contained long a-hydroxy acids amidelinked to sphingosine (ASl), while the fifth fraction contained short a-hydroxy acids amide-linked to sphingosine (ASs). The most polar ceramide contained a-hydroxy acids amide-linked to phytosphingosine (AP). EOS, NS and NP differed from their epidermal counterparts in terms of the compositions of the normal fatty acids. ASl, ASs and AP from palatal stratum corneum were essentially identical to their epidermal counterparts. The differences between palatal and epidermal EOS, NS and NP contribute to the differences in permeability of palate compared to skin.

Comparative Analysis of Skin Surface Lipids of the Labia Majora, Inner Thigh, and Forearm

“…The paucity of unsaturated fatty acids may reflect the relative occlusivity or hydration of the skin sites [39] . Similar observations have been made between the hydrated hard palatal stratum corneum and the air-exposed epidermis of the pig [42] . An eightfold reduction in linoleate from the palatal stratum corneum was compensated with an increase in palmitate and stearate.…”

“…Ceramide EOS has been linked with skin barrier functionality [35][36][37][38] . For example, it is cross-linked to the protein envelope of the corneocyte and is thought to serve as a molecular 'rivet' in linking together the intercellular lamellae of the stratum corneum into characteristic 13-nm trilamellar units.…”

Bicelles: Lipid Nanostructured Platforms with Potential Dermal Applications

“…The lipid matrix is formed by bilayers composed mainly of ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, and small amounts of cholesterol sulfate and cholesterol esters. This structure ensures cohesiveness between the corneocytes and accounts for the permeability of the SC 76, 77. This exceptional composition and organization is not observed in other biological membranes, which in general consist predominantly of phospholipids as bilayers.…”

Care and management of a stoma: maintaining peristomal skin health

“…Ceramide is the main component of the stratum corneum of the epidermis layer, together with cholesterol and saturated fatty acids. Ceramide creates a water-impermeable, protective organ to prevent excessive water loss owing to evaporation, as well as a barrier against the entry of microorganisms (Hill and Wertz, 2009).…”