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Ethanol effects on the stratum corneum lipid phase behavior
S L Krill1, K Knutson, W I Higuchi
1Abbott Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Product Division, North Chicago, IL.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|December 9, 1992
Summary
Ethanol reduces alkyl chain mobility in stratum corneum lipids, contrary to expectations of fluidization. This finding offers new insights into how ethanol affects skin barrier function and solute penetration.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Dermal Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- The stratum corneum acts as the primary barrier of mammalian skin against water and solute diffusion.
- Intercellular lipid bilayers are the main pathway for lipophilic solutes crossing the skin barrier.
- Ethanol is thought to enhance skin permeation by fluidizing these lipid bilayers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ethanol on the phase behavior of stratum corneum lipids.
- To analyze changes in lipid alkyl chain packing, mobility, and conformational order.
- To use Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for precise measurements.
Main Methods:
- Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze stratum corneum lipids.
- Phospholipid multilamellar vesicles served as model systems for investigation.
- Spectroscopic data were analyzed to determine lipid alkyl chain packing and mobility.
Main Results:
- Ethanol did not affect the solid-solid phase transition or gel phase interchain coupling of stratum corneum lipids.
- A significant reduction in the mobility of lipid alkyl chains was observed in the presence of ethanol.
- No significant changes were observed in model phospholipid systems.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol's interaction with stratum corneum lipids is complex and does not solely involve fluidization.
- The observed reduction in alkyl chain mobility may play a role in ethanol-induced changes in skin barrier function.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of ethanol's effect on skin permeation.