Epidermal-dermal junction functions

Epidermis Complete removal of the dermis may be achieved by several mechanical, thermal, and chemical techniques. Most commonly, the epidermal-dermal junction is split by heating the skin to 60 C for 30-120 s [83, 84], Pitman et al. [85] could show that such a treatment does not impair the barrier function. The use of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, sodium bromide, or ammonia fumes has also been reported [80, 83, 86], It may, however, be suspected that the use of sufficiently strong acids or bases may change the buffer capacity of skin, which would especially influence the penetration behavior of ionizable drugs. 

Briggaman, R.A. (1990). Epidermal-dermal junction Stracture, composition, function and disease relationships. Prog. Dermatol., 24 1-8. 

In discussing skin structure, we limit ourselves to those features of the membrane which are pertinent to drag delivery in particular, to the stratum corneum (SC), the outermost layer wherein skin s barrier function principally resides. Macroscopically, skin comprises two main layers the epidermis and the dermis ( 0.1 and 1 mm in thickness, respectively) (see Figure 8.1). The dermal-epidermal junction is highly convoluted ensuring a maximal contact area. Other anatomical features of the skin of interest are the appendageal structures the hair follicles, nails and sweat glands. 

Dermal-Epidermal Junction (DEJ). The DEJ is a specialized attachment area forming an extensive interface between the epidermis and the dermis. The major function of the DEJ is to keep the epidermis and dermis firmly attached. Sulfur mustard. Bullous Pemphigoid, and forms of Epidermolysis Bulosa fonn vesicles (blisters) at this junction. 

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