[Changes in the sodium, potassium and lithium ion concentration in human epidermis in relation to death].

The concentrations of Na+, K+, Li+ have been assayed in the epidermis samples from 58 cadavers and 20 healthy individuals. The samples have been taken from the heels, and assayed with 2 flame photometers (Corning 480), using standard solutions supplied by the manufacturer. A concentration of Na+ and K+ in men exceeded the levels of these ions in women by two-fold. A level of Li+ is the same in both sexes and amounts to 2.8 mEq/kg. The Na+:K+ ratio in the epidermis of women and men is about 4:1. In the samples collected from cadavers, the difference in Na+ and K+ levels has been lower but Li+ level has been higher, amounting to 4.3 mEq/kg.