EPIDERMAL-DERMAL SEPARATION WITH PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES

[摘要] Comparison of the relative digestive action on [mouse] skin of 6 proteolytic enzymes, namely, pronase, collagenase, pancreatic elastase, fungal elastase, trypsin and keratinase indicate that the end point of digestion is remarkably similar for all of them. Optimal enzyme concentration, pH and time vary. Pronase is extremely active although its proteolytic and elastolytic activity is not significantly different from that of the other enzymes studied. Separation is at the dermal-epidermal junction. This is followed by acantholysis and subsequently loss of dermal appendages and fibrous elements. Mature keratin structures or basement membrane structures do not appear to be altered. Specimens of skin must be incubated in enzyme solutions for consistent dermal and epidermal changes to occur. Topical application in vivo or in vitro, as well as intracutaneous injection in vivo, did not produce consistent results. The mechanism of cantharidin action is not similar to that of the proteolytic enzymes studied.