Stratum Corneum

The stratum corneum is a magnificent example of the successful adaptation of a tissue. Its efficient function is a prerequisite for life itself. We depend on its control of the movement of water through the skin and on its protective role in the prevention of penetration by pathogens or harmful substances. Apart from its functional importance, there is no escaping the fact that the most common skin disorders (psoriasis, eczema, inherited disorders of keratinization, acne) are 'characterised by abnormal keratinization and or scaliness. Despite all this, understanding of its chemistry, structure, physiology and involvement in disease has been sadly deficient; however, there are signs of enlightenment. This symposium is evidence of changed atti· tudes. Leading researchers from many countries have applied modem biomedical techniques and the methods of molecular biology to the many problems and questions posed by the stratum corneum. Although there have been several symposia and publications on the process of keratinization, few have been broadly based on the stratum corneum. For this reason we believe that the proceedings of this symposium will be invaluable for all who are profeSSionally concerned with skin biology. Cardiff/Diisseldorf, November 1982 R. Marks G. Plewig v Acknowledgements Alcon Labs. Limited Brocades G. B. Limited Cardiff City Council Cassella-Riedel Pharma GmbH. Cilag-Chemie Dermal Laboratories Limited Dista Products Limited Dome Div. Miles Laboratories Limited Hoechst AG. Imperial Chemical Industries Limited Janssen Pharmaceuticals Limited Johnson & Johnson Limited L'Oreal E.

I. Biochemistry.- The Fibrous Proteins of the Epidermis.- Isolation and Characterisation of Different Keratin Types From Human Epidermis.- Cross-Linking of Epidermal Fibrous Protein.- Epidermal Keratin: Filaments and Matrix.- Control of Involucrin Synthesis During Terminal Differentiation of Human Epidermal Cells in Culture.- The Synthesis, Fate and Function of Histidine-Rich Proteins in the Stratum Corneum.- The Intercorneocyte Space.- Preparation and Immunochemical Analysis of Non-Ionic Detergent-Soluble Protein From Human Stratum Corneum.- Isolation and Lipid Composition of Fractions From the Superficial Stratum Corneum of the Pig.- Epidermal Cholesterol Sulfate and Steroid Sulfatase Activity and Recessive X-linked Ichthyosis.- DNase I - Actin Interaction in the Epidermis and Its Influence on Epidermal Metabolism.- II. Aspects of the Immunology of the Stratum Corneum.- Stratum Corneum Antigens: Their Role in Psoriasis and in the Autoimmune Repair Mechanisms.- Natural Stratum Corneum Antibodies and Antigens.- Localisation of Non-Ionic Detergent-Soluble Stratum Corneum Antigens in Human Epidermis.- The Immunotracing of Keratinocyte Subsets.- III. Structure and Function.- The Cellular Architecture of the Stratum Corneum.- Effects of Frictional Stimulation on the Structure of the Stratum Corneum.- The Significance of the Size and Shape of Corneocytes.- Thickness of Corneocytes.- Age-Related Changes in Stratum Corneum, Structure and Function.- Exfoliative Cytology: Effects of the Seasons.- Scanning Electron Microscopy of Human Corneocytes.- Corneocyte Size as An Indirect Measure of Epidermal Proliferative Activity.- Corneocyte Formation Rate and Skin Disease.- Skin Scales and Microbial Contamination.- The Transparency of the Stratum Corneum as A Parameter of Functional Analysis.- Transmission of UV Radiation Through Horny Layer and Epidermis in Relation to the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED).- Elemental Distribution in Cross Sections of Guinea-pig Epidermis: X-ray Microanalysis in the Electron Microscope.- IV. Pharmacological Topics.- Effects of Isotretinoin (13-cis Retinoic Acid, Ro 4-3780) Treatment on Exfoliative Cytology.- Follicular Keratinization.- Druc-Induced Changes in Stratum Corneum Production Traced by Human Antibodies in Murine Tails.- Changes in Corneocyte Size After Application of Topical Corticosteroids and Vehicles to Normal Skin.- Water Sorption - Desorption Test of the Stratum Corneum of the Skin Surface in Vivo.- Electical Measurement of the Hydration State of the Skin Surface in Vivo.- The Relationship Between Conductance and Capacitance Measurements and Skin Surface Contour During Hydration of the Stratum Corneum.