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Free sphingosines in porcine epidermis
1Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|April 3, 1989
Summary
This study found free sphingoid bases in pig epidermis, suggesting a role for these lipids in skin cell development. These findings highlight new insights into epidermal lipid composition and function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Lipidomics
Background:
- Sphingolipids, including ceramides and glucosylceramides, are crucial for mammalian epidermis.
- Sphingoid bases are known intermediates in sphingolipid synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and identity of free sphingoid bases in epidermal tissue.
- To determine the potential role of free sphingoid bases in epidermal differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Pig epidermis was separated into stratum corneum and unkeratinized portions.
- Lipids were extracted and analyzed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with ninhydrin detection.
- Further identification involved derivatization with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and analysis of oxidation products by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC].
Main Results:
- Ninhydrin-positive material, consistent with free sphingoid bases, was detected in both epidermal layers.
- Quantitation showed free sphingoid bases constitute 0.44% of stratum corneum lipids and 0.09% of viable epidermis lipids.
- Analysis revealed free sphingoid bases are a mixture of 16- to 20-carbon sphingenines and sphinganines, with d17:0, d17:1, d18:1, and d20:1 being most abundant.
Conclusions:
- Free sphingoid bases are present in mammalian epidermis.
- The composition of these bases suggests a significant role in regulating epidermal differentiation and skin barrier function.