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KMID : 0984920010030010003
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Journal of Skin Barrier Research
2001 Volume.3 No. 1 p.3 ~ p.10
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The Antiporter NHE1 Influences the Function of the SC pH Gradient
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Behne Martin J.
Peter M. Elias
Mauro Theodora M.
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Abstract
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The acidity of the skin surface pH has been recognized for at least a century. However, the finding that a pH gradient also exists across the stratum corneum (SC) is a recent event. Both the etiology and the function of the SC pH gradient have been the subjects of controversy. Various etiologies, including both exogenous (sweat, metabolism of bacterial or products) and endogenous (byproducts of cellular metabolism, Na+ pumps or antiporters) mechanisms have been proposed. Possible functions of the SC pH gradient include activation of pH-sensitive enzymes necessary for lipid processing, modulation of cell-to-cell cohesion, and antibacterial activity. The study of the SC pH gradient has been hampered in the past because of several SC properties: SC is a multilayered, heterogeneoustissue; it is difficult to reproduce the appropriate degree of differentiation and lipid secretion in vitro; and SC possesses a large pH buffering capacity. We have investigated possible etiologies and putative functions for the SC pH gradient. We find that an acidic SC pH is essential for proper epidermal permeability barrier recovery. Further, we present evidence that active mechanisma, such as the Na+/H+ antiporter NHE1, may be important in maintaining the epidermal permeability barrier.
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KEYWORD
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NHE1, epidermis, barrier function, pH
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