ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Epidermis (rat)
;
Periderm
;
Membrane-coating granules
;
Keratinisation
;
Permeability
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The sequence of events in the establishment of a keratinised epidermis has been related to age and crown rump length in fetal rats. Differentiation of the epidermis occurs under cover of the periderm throughout gestation. Ten stages are defined between 12d intra-uterine life and birth. Membrane-coating granules (MCGs) appeared at 18d (Stage 4) after the appearance of tonofilaments but before the appearance of the first “fetal” keratohyaline granules (KHGs) at 19d (Stage 5). Measurement of the position of MCGs within the cells showed a less marked concentration near the superficial border of the cells than that found at later stages. As KHGs formed, exocytosis of MCGs occurred into the intercellular space immediately deep to the periderm. It is suggested that after 19d (Stage 5) the periderm serves to retain the contents of the MCGs in this space so providing the permeability barrier and that prior to that stage the periderm itself probably provides the permeability barrier of fetal skin.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00204792
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