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A highly resistant structure between cuticle and cortex of human hair
Author(s) -
Takahashi T.,
Yoshida S.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of cosmetic science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1468-2494
pISSN - 0142-5463
DOI - 10.1111/ics.12380
Subject(s) - cuticle (hair) , cortex (anatomy) , biophysics , chemistry , anatomy , biology , neuroscience
Objective To clarify the presence and properties of a unique structure which is located between the cuticle and cortex of human hair. Methods Whole hair fibre and longitudinally split hair were used. Treated with a mixture of urea, reductant and alkaline, hair was split at the interface between cuticle and cortex. The residues in the solution were observed by microscope, and the distribution of lipids and protein was determined. Results From the treated longitudinally split hair, a membrane‐like structure which was located at the interface between cuticle and cortex was obtained. This structure showed especially high resistance against chemical treatment and was thought to be the region into which the proximal roots of the cuticle cells are embedded. It was supposed that some steryl glucoside‐like lipid, of which the presence in the cuticle and cortex interface was previously reported, is located in this structure. Conclusion This study proposed the presence of a membrane‐like structure, which is highly resistant against chemical treatment, at the region between cuticle and cortex of human hair. This may protect cortex from external stimuli more firmly than the surface part of cuticle.