Arrangement of ceramide [EOS] in a stratum corneum lipid model matrix: new aspects revealed by neutron diffraction studies.

The lipid matrix in stratum corneum (SC) plays a key role in the barrier function of the mammalian skin. The major lipids are ceramides (CER), cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acids (FFA). Especially the unique-structured omega-acylceramide CER[EOS] is regarded to be essential for skin barrier properties by inducing the formation of a long-periodicity phase of 130 angstroms (LPP).

Localisation of partially deuterated cholesterol in quaternary SC lipid model membranes: a neutron diffraction study.

This letter presents our first results in using the benefit of selective deuteration in neutron diffraction studies on stratum corneum (SC) lipid model systems. The SC represents the outermost layer of the mammalian skin and exhibits the main skin barrier. It is essential for studying drug penetration through the SC to know the internal structure and hydration behaviour on the molecular level.

Properties of ceramides and their impact on the stratum corneum structure. Part 2: stratum corneum lipid model systems.

The stratum corneum (SC) represents the outermost layer of the mammalian skin, exhibits the main skin barrier and plays an important role in the water penetration pathway through the SC. Knowing the structure and properties of the SC at the molecular level is essential for studying drug penetration through the SC and for the development of new dermal drug delivery systems. Therefore, research interest is focused on the SC lipid matrix and on water diffusion through it.

Properties of ceramides and their impact on the stratum corneum structure: a review. Part 1: ceramides.

The lipid matrix of the stratum corneum (SC) is the major diffusion-rate-limiting pathway by which most drugs intracellularly pass the SC. The major lipid classes extracted from the SC are ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. Ceramides that comprise nine subclasses play a crucial role in maintaining the barrier function of the skin.

Sublimation of antimycotic agents as proved by various analytical methods.

Qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that the pure substances amorolfine base, amorolfine hydrochloride, two selected morpholine derivatives and terbinafine hydrochloride are clearly able to sublimate. As amorolfine hydrochloride is also capable to sublimate from galencial forms laquer and cream in this experimental setup, a clinical relevance of sublimation phenomenon at least for topical treatment of onychomycosis has to be considered. This phenomenon could be one reason for advantageous clinical and mycological cure rates of amorolfine nail laquer to comparable topical products reported in the literature.