Changes in suspensions of human keratinocytes due to trypsin

Epidermal cell suspensions derived from keratotomed samples of normal human skin have been studied by light microscopy and by scanning and transmission electron microscope techniques. The method allows detailed inspection of the keratinocyte membranes. However, the trypsin used to obtain the suspensions limits the usefulness of the technique as some of the features observed - including invagination of desmosomes, vacuolation, and redistribution of tonofibrils - may be attributable to this proteolytic enzyme.