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Commentary on the practical guide for the study of sebaceous glands
Author(s) -
Nejati Reza,
Skobowiat Cezary,
Slominski Andrzej T.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/exd.12221
Subject(s) - endocrine system , sebaceous gland , function (biology) , identification (biology) , photoaging , biology , medicine , bioinformatics , pathology , physiology , dermatology , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , ecology , hormone
Abstract For many years, the function of the sebaceous gland ( SG ) was underestimated and suggested by A lbert M . K ligman as a remnant of human development, a ‘living fossil with a past but no future’. However, the last two decades of studies and the discovery of neuro‐endocrine pathways in skin have determined the importance of the SG in cutaneous biology and homeostasis. SG s play their role in cutaneous homeostasis by contribution to local steroidogenic pathways, antimicrobial activity and display of immune (both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory) properties. Despite several important manuscripts and reviews regarding SG biology and function, there was an urgent need for a high‐quality methodological guide through SG identification and quantitative evaluation. In this issue of E xperimental D ermatology, H inde et al. present a practical guide to SG research – outlining methods, defining immunohistochemical markers and providing guidance to both novice and more experienced SG researchers.