Lipid and protein structures in the permeability barrier of mammalian epidermis.

作者：Donald Talbot Downing · 发表于：Journal of Lipid Research · 年份：1992 · DOI：10.1016/s0022-2275(20)41520-2 · 被引用次数：315 · 研究领域：Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery、Skin and Cellular Biology Research、Dermatology and Skin Diseases

The epidermis of terrestrial vertebrates has evolved to provide a barrier to water permeation that is essential for survival in a desiccating environment. It has been realized for decades that this barrier is provided by lipids, but it was only during the 1980s that the molecular structure and physical arrangement of these lipids were defined. During the past several years, it has become apparent that in the performance of their function, epidermal lipids interact with proteins, and in some instances are covalently linked to protein structures. It is the purpose of this review to inspect and evaluate those instances where lipids and proteins interact in providing the epidermal barrier. For the benefit of those whose experience does not include dermatology, it will be desirable to briefly review the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the skin, as well as the biochemistry of the epidermal lipids.