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Title

Properties of Ceramides and Their Impact on the Stratum Corneum Structure: A Review.

Authors

Wartewig; Neubert

Abstract

AbstractThe 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. A profound knowledge of the physical properties of ceramides is essential for a deeper understanding of the impact of each ceramide species on the barrier function. The review summarizes the thermotropic and/or lyotropic behaviour of sphingosine-type ceramides (CER AS, CER NS) and phytosphingosine-type ceramides (CER AP, CER NP) revealed by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy in past decades. Polymorphism is a characteristic feature of ceramides. At physiological temperatures, all crystalline phases of ceramides exhibit lamellar structures with highly ordered hydrocarbon chains. The differential behaviour of the head groups of ceramides may be an important determinant for the skin barrier function.Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

Subjects

SOLUTION (Chemistry); DRUG development; PHARMACY; CERAMIDES; FOURIER transform infrared spectroscopy; SPHINGOSINE; FATTY acids; CHOLESTEROL

Publication

Skin Pharmacology & Physiology, 2007, Vol 20, Issue 5, p220

ISSN

1660-5527

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1159/000104420