Electron paramagnetic resonance study utilizing stripping method on normal human stratum corneum.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of nitroxide spin probes are useful for studying biological membranes, and chemical-membrane interaction. The objective of this study was to assess the fluidity of stripped stratum corneum (SC) of normal human skin with EPR. METHODS: We quantified the fluidity of stripped SC (S-SC) by a single stripping with cyanoacrylate onto quartz glass, cover glass or transparent film. Spectra were compared with those of the SC of cadaver skin (C-SC). RESULTS: All S-SC spectra were similar to those of C-SC. There were no statistical differences in the order parameters S between C-SC and those on quartz cell and cover glass, but those of transparent film were significantly higher. Spectra after a month storage at room temperature at 5 degrees C and at -20 degrees C were unchanged. The order parameter S had decreased after a 3-month storage in all conditions. CONCLUSION: This method is useful for the evaluation of the fluidity measurement utilizing EPR spectra of S-SC.