Studies in Depilation VII. Structural Changes in the Wool Follicle During Depilation With Acid and Enzyme Systems

Abstract

SummaryStructural changes in the wool follicle during depilation with acetic acid, crystalline trypsin, and a commercial enzyme preparation, Pancrozyme C1A, are described. A number of the morphological changes produced by acetic acid and Pancrozyme C1A are similar. Both cause early separation of the epidermal and outer root sheath (ORS) structures from the underlying tissues, and the resistance to fibre withdrawal at this stage is due largely to the physical obstruction of the ORS material. In both cases the separated ORS assumes a tightly packed cylindrical form around the fibre and is gradually digested away until there is no longer any resistance to fibre removal. In both cases separation of the fibre ultimately occurs in the lower part of the prekeratinous zone just above the bulb.Histological evidence is provided which accounts for the unsatisfactory nature of crystalline trypsin as a depilating agent.A comparative analysis of the main structural changes in the follicle with the depilating systems at present available is given, and the requirements for an ideal depilating system are stated.