Abstract
The exfoliative cytology technique has been used to characterize quantitative and qualitative parameters of corneocytes from the outermost layers of the stratum corneum [5, 6]. In normal skin, corneocytes are of fairly constant size, but differences are found at various anatomical sites [3, 12]. There are also changes with age [13]. Changes in epidermopoiesis are followed by measurable changes in corneocyte number and corneocyte surface area. For instance, stripping the skin with tape yields much smaller corneocytes [8] than does the application of an irritant, vitamin A acid (all- trans retinoic acid) [8]. On the other hand, topical application of glucocorticosteroids to inflamed skin increases the corneocyte size again and decreases the removable number of horny cells [7, 8]. Inflamed skin as in allergic or contact dermatitis [7, 8] or in psoriasis [4] is characterized by smaller cells. We have used the exfoliative cytology technique to describe changes induced by isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid, Ro 4–3780), given orally.
The technical assistance of Mrs. A. Ruhfus, MTA, is acknowledged. The study was supported by a grant from Vick International and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
Dr. R. Hennes, Hoffmann La-Roche, Grenzach/Wyhlen provided the isotretinoin
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© 1983 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Breiner, W., Scheuber, E., Plewig, G. (1983). Effects of Isotretionoin (13-cis Retinoic Acid, Ro 4–3780) Treatment on Exfoliative Cytology. In: Marks, R., Plewig, G. (eds) Stratum Corneum. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68682-5_29
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68682-5_29
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