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Ontogeny of the epidermal permeability barrier
M L Williams1, K Hanley, P M Elias
1Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California 94121, USA.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Symposium Proceedings
|September 12, 1998
Summary
Skin barrier competence develops rapidly in infants, aided by hormonal and environmental factors. Research in fetal rats reveals key regulators of this crucial developmental process.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Skin Physiology
- Terrestrial Adaptation
Background:
- A mature skin permeability barrier is essential for survival outside the womb.
- Immature skin in preterm infants leads to significant health complications.
- Infants rapidly develop a competent barrier despite prematurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms and regulation of skin barrier ontogeny.
- To understand factors influencing the development of skin competence in late gestation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized late-gestation fetal rodents (rats) for study.
- Employed in vitro culture of fetal rat skin.
- Manipulated hormonal and environmental conditions in cultures.
Main Results:
- Barrier competence correlated with epidermal development and stratum corneum lamellar membranes.
- Hormones like glucocorticoids, T3, and estrogen accelerated barrier formation; androgens delayed it.
- Air-liquid interface culture and PPAR/FXR activators accelerated barrier development.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal and environmental factors play critical roles in regulating skin barrier maturation.
- Nuclear receptors and Ca++ are key regulators in late-stage barrier development.
- Findings explain sex-based differences in premature infant outcomes and rapid barrier acquisition.