Stratum corneum intercellular lipid as compared to erythrocyte ghosts: an ESR study of thermotropic behavior and...

Intercellular membranes of Stratum Corneum and erythrocyte ghosts were studied through partition of Tempo nitroxide spin label. Stratum Corneum presents a phase transition-monitored by the spin label at 58 degrees C--that is in agreement with data obtained through the use of other techniques. A reduction of the nitroxide is observed. Erythrocyte ghosts at protein concentrations higher than the values generally used in ESR studies (above 15 mg/ml) also show the partition and reduction of Tempo. Experimental data suggest that the reduction mechanism might be common to both types of membranes involving probably the membrane lipoperoxidation as well as protein oxidation.