Sulphure in epidermal keratohyalin granules: a quantitative assay by x-ray microanalysis

The elemental composition of different types of keratohyalin granules from the epidermis of newborn and adult rats was studied by means of an EMMA-4 analytical electron microscope, equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. An absolute quantitation of the sulphur concentration in keratohyalin granules was performed. The results demonstrate that epidermal keratohyalin granules are chemically heterogeneous. A type of keratohyalin granule present in the nuclei and cytoplasm of epidermal cells from both newborn and adult rats - termed single granules - is rich in sulphur, having a content of 2-5-3-6%. Other types of keratohyalin granules, which differ in newborn and adult rats, contain a sulphur-poor component; they often have a sulphur-rich component as well. The sulphur-poor keratohyalin contains 0-6-0-9% sulphur. It is suggested that the sulphur-rich keratohyalin granules are the source of the peripheral envelope protein of cornified cells.

Sulphur in Different Types of Keratohyalin Granules: A Quantitative Assay by X-Ray Microanalysis

The elemental composition of keratohyalin granules from the interpapillary and papillary lingual epithelium and the oesophageal epithelium of the rat were studied by X-ray microanalysis in an EMMA-4 analytical electron microscope, equipped with an energy dispersive detector. A quantitative assay of the sulphur concentration in keratohyalin granules was performed, using a suitable sulphur standard. The results demonstrate that different types of keratohyalin granule have different compositions. Single granules - a type of keratohyalin granule present in both nuclei and cytoplasm of the epithelial cells - are rich in sulphur, having a content of 3.6-3.8%. Another type of keratohyalin granule - composite granules - contains a sulphur-rich component and a sulphur-poor component. The sulphur-poor component contains 0.8-1.4% sulphur. It is suggested that the sulphur-rich keratohyalin granules are involved in the deposition of the peripheral envelope protein of cornified cells.