The fibrous proteins in various types of ichthyosis

The stratum corneum of individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris, sex-linked ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis, and epidermolytic hyperkeratosis has been studied. An alpha x-ray diffraction pattern has been observed in all specimens and the solubility of the alpha fibrous proteins appears to be the same as in normal stratum corneum. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide electrophoresis of the fibrous proteins showed variable patterns within the different types of ichthyosis, while amino acid analyses of the proteins were quite similar to those from normal stratum corneum. These data suggest that the fibrous proteins in the ichthyosis are not abnormal, but further studies on the individual polypeptide chains are necessary to rule out more subtle differences.