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Ordered Structure of the Stratum Corneum of Mammalian Skin

Nature volume 222, pages 881–882 (1969)Cite this article

Abstract

THE stratum corneum of mammalian skin usually appears in histological preparations as a loosely arranged layer of squames with little organization. The absence of organization is incompatible with the important barrier function of this layer and it has been suggested that histological processing severely distorts the true structure1. The boundaries of the cells of the stratum corneum can be clearly seen after treating unfixed sections with sodium hydroxide solution, because this causes the stratum corneum to swell but leaves the cell membranes of this layer intact2,3.

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References

  1. Kligman, A. M., in The Epidermis (edit. by Montagna and Lobitz), 387 (Academic Press, New York, 1964).

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  3. Blair, C. P., Brit. J. Derm., 80, 430 (1968).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral Pathology, Dental School, London Hospital Medical College, London, E1

    J. C. MACKENZIE

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  1. J. C. MACKENZIE
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MACKENZIE, J. Ordered Structure of the Stratum Corneum of Mammalian Skin. Nature 222, 881–882 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/222881a0

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