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The Structure and Function of Epidermal Lipids
Author(s) -
KWOCHKA KENNETH W.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3164.1993.tb00211.x
Subject(s) - function (biology) , computational biology , medicine , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
— This review article examines current knowledge of the structure and function of epidermal lipids in human and veterinary dermatology. Dynamic transformations in lipid composition and structure occur as cells migrate through the epidermis. The lipids which are formed have a direct effect on epidermal functions. Ceramides appear to be the most important lipid component for lamellar arrangement in the stratum corneum and barrier protection. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the epidermis are also important because they are incorporated into the ceramides. Additionally, arachidonic acid is bound to the phospholipid portion of cell membranes and is the most important precursor of endogenous eicosanoids. The eicosanoids are vital for epidermal homeostasis and play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dermatoses when produced in abnormal quantities. In addition to barrier protection, other vital epidermal functions associated with the lipids include stratum corneum water‐holding, cohesion and desquamation of corneocytes, and control of epidermal proliferation and differentiation.