Effects of high corn oil diet on preneoplastic murine colons: Prostanoid production and lipid composition

In the present study, the effect of normal (5% by wt) and high (23.5% by wt) corn oil diets on prostanoid production and on the lipid composition of preneoplastic colonic epithelium was investigated. CF₁ mice (female, 3–4-weeks-old) were fed a normal corn oil dietad libitum and were treated with the colon carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 20 mg/kg/wk) or saline (control) for 24 wk. At this stage, all animals received the AIN-76 diet (normal corn oil)ad libitum. Following the last injection, half of the animals from each treatment group were randomly allocated to a high corn oil diet for 5 to 10 wk, whereas the remaining animals continued on the normal corn oil diet. After 5 wk of feeding, the colonic mucosa of carcinogentreated animals had a higher level of bicyclic prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) than had the animals in the control groups; prostanoid synthesis in the colonic mucosa of control animals was unaffected by the high corn oil diet. Preneoplastic colonic mucosa of animals fed the high corn oil diet had a significantly higher level of PGE₂ than corresponding control colonic mucosa. The 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α/thromboxane B₂ ratio was significantly lower in the DMH-treated groups than in the control groups, and was unaffected by dietary treatments. After 10 wk of feeding a particular diet, the differences in the fatty acid composition between the control and DMH-treated groups were minor. Our findings demonstrate that the preneoplastic colonic epithelium differs from that of normal epithelium with respect to prostanoid synthesis.     

Accumulation of surfactant phospholipids in lipid pneumonia induced with methylnaphthalene

Lipid analyses were carried out on the lungs of female B₆C₃F₁ mice treated with methylnaphthalene. Cholesteryl ester, which could not be detected in lungs of control animals, was present in lungs of treated animals. Cholesterol and dipalmitoyglycerophosphocholine (DPPC) content was increased about five times in lungs of treated mice compared with control mice, and the content of a minor phospholipid was increased six times. The latter phospholipid was purified by high performance liquid chromatography and identified as phosphatidylglycerol by thin layer chromatography and by fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry. Both DPPC and phosphatidylglycerol are known to be pneumonal surfactants produced from type II pneumocytes. Therefore, the accumulation of these lipids in lung tissue was assumed to be caused by the proliferation of type II cells induced by the administration of methylnaphthalene. The results provide important information concerning the underlying mechanism of endogenous lipid pneumonia in mice.     

复合网络絮凝剂的合成及性能研究

采用反相乳液聚合法获得大分子量的聚合物,以煤油和氯化石蜡作为分散相,用丙烯酰胺(AM)构筑大分子骨架的基础上,引入阳离子单体二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵(DMDAAC)形成大分子链,再引入水玻璃和铁离子,形成多核络合离子。研究了油水比、引发剂用量、单体浓度、聚合反应温度等因素对产物处理污水能力的影响。结果表明,最佳反应条件为:油水比为1∶2,引发剂用量为0.4%,单体浓度为45%,反应温度为40℃,当絮凝剂加量为25 mg/L时,处理后的污水透光率达到98.5%,具有较好的絮凝效果。     

吲哚美辛对人羊膜上皮细胞水通道蛋白8表达的影响

目的 探讨吲哚美辛对人羊膜上皮细胞水通道蛋白(Aquaporin,AQP)8表达的影响.方法 原代培养人羊膜上皮细胞,采用免疫细胞化学法进行鉴定.将细胞分为实验组和对照组,实验组以不同浓度的吲哚美辛(10、20、50、100、200 μmol/L)作用24 h,另以200 μmol/L吲哚美辛分别作用6、12、24、3...     

Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 Induces Human Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation and Hair Regrowth in C57BL/6 Mice

Minoxidil is the most widely used treatment for hair growth, but has been associated with several side effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 on hair loss prevention and regrowth using human dermal papilla cells and male C57BL/6 mice. To examine the effects of EF-2001, we used minoxidil as the positive control. In the in vitro experiments, EF-2001 treatment (75–500 μg/mL) led to the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In the in vivo experiment, the topical application of 200 µL EF-2001 on the dorsal surface of C57BL/6 male mice led to hair growth. Changes in hair regrowth were examined by visual comparison and hematoxylin and eosin staining of skin sections. We also determined the expression levels of marker genes (Wnt) and growth factors (fibroblast growth factor, insulin growth factor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in the skin tissues of the back of each mouse using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. EF-2001 accelerated the progression of hair regrowth in mice and promoted hair-follicle conversion from telogen to anagen, likely by increasing the expression levels of growth factors and marker genes.     

Scleroderma-like Impairment in the Network of Telocytes/CD34+ Stromal Cells in the Experimental Mouse Model of Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis

Considerable evidence accumulated over the past decade supports that telocytes (TCs)/CD34⁺ stromal cells represent an exclusive type of interstitial cells identifiable by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or immunohistochemistry in various organs of the human body, including the skin. By means of their characteristic cellular extensions (telopodes), dermal TCs are arranged in networks intermingled with a multitude of neighboring cells and, hence, they are thought to contribute to skin homeostasis through both intercellular contacts and releasing extracellular vesicles. In this context, fibrotic skin lesions from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) appear to be characterized by a disruption of the dermal network of TCs, which has been ascribed to either cell degenerative processes or possible transformation into profibrotic myofibroblasts. In the present study, we utilized the well-established mouse model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma to gain further insights into the TC alterations found in cutaneous fibrosis. CD34 immunofluorescence revealed a severe impairment in the dermal network of TCs/CD34⁺ stromal cells in bleomycin-treated mice. CD31/CD34 double immunofluorescence confirmed that CD31⁻/CD34⁺ TC counts were greatly reduced in the skin of bleomycin-treated mice compared with control mice. Ultrastructural signs of TC injury were detected in the skin of bleomycin-treated mice by TEM. The analyses of skin samples from mice treated with bleomycin for different times by either TEM or double immunostaining and immunoblotting for the CD34/α-SMA antigens collectively suggested that, although a few TCs may transition to α-SMA⁺ myofibroblasts in the early disease stage, most of these cells rather undergo degeneration, and then are lost. Taken together, our data demonstrate that TC changes in the skin of bleomycin-treated mice mimic very closely those observed in human SSc skin, which makes this experimental model a suitable tool to (i) unravel the pathological mechanisms underlying TC damage and (ii) clarify the possible contribution of the TC loss to the development/progression of dermal fibrosis. In perspective, these findings may have important implications in the field of skin regenerative medicine.     

Evaluation of Physicochemical Factors Affecting Dermal Penetration and Carcinogenic Potency of Mineral Oils Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds

A comparison of the polynuclear aromatic compound (PAC) content and dermal carcinogenicity was made for a series of complex oil mixtures. Results showed a significant correlation (r² = 0.76) between the 3–7 ring PAC content and the carcinogenic potency, as determined in a mouse skin-painting bioassay, for oil samples ranging from those with median (50% recovered) boiling points above –500°F to those with initial boiling points of –1070°F. Two variables not considered in the original correlation study, oil viscosity and oil dermal penetration rate, were subsequently measured and their correlation with the carcinogenic potency of the oils determined using simple and multiple regression techniques. Although a weak correlation was observed between oil viscosity and the dermal penetration rate of ³H-benzo[a]pyrene from the oils (co-linear variables), no statistically significant correlation was observed between viscosity or penetration rate and carcinogenic potency. It is suggested that the repeated dosing of mice in a two-year skin-painting bioassay results in the attainment of a steady-state concentration of the oils in the skin compartments such that the concentration of 3–7 ring PAC at the sites of cutaneous metabolism, and the concentration of carcinogenic metabolites is proportional to the 3–7 ring PAC content of the applied oil.     

In utero exposure to a low concentration of diesel exhaust affects spontaneous locomotor activity and monoaminergic system in male mice

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest that inhalation of carbonaceous particulate matter from biomass combustion increases susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia. In vitro studies report that phagocytosis of carbon black by alveolar macrophages (AM) impairs killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae. We have previously reported high levels of black carbon in AM from biomass smoke-exposed children and adults. We therefore aimed to use a mouse model to test the hypothesis that high levels of carbon loading of AM in vivo increases susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia.

Methods

Female outbred mice were treated with either intranasal phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or ultrafine carbon black (UF-CB in PBS; 500 μg on day 1 and day 4), and then infected with S. pneumoniae strain D39 on day 5. Survival was assessed over 72 h. The effect of UF-CB on AM carbon loading, airway inflammation, and a urinary marker of pulmonary oxidative stress was assessed in uninfected animals.

Results

Instillation of UF-CB in mice resulted a pattern of AM carbon loading similar to that of biomass-smoke exposed humans. In uninfected animals, UF-CB treated animals had increased urinary 8-oxodG (P = 0.055), and an increased airway neutrophil differential count (P < 0.01). All PBS-treated mice died within 72 h after infection with S. pneumoniae, whereas morbidity and mortality after infection was reduced in UF-CB treated animals (median survival 48 h vs. 30 h, P < 0.001). At 24 hr post-infection, UF-CB treated mice had lower lung and the blood S. pneumoniae colony forming unit counts, and lower airway levels of keratinocyte-derived chemokine/growth-related oncogene (KC/GRO), and interferon gamma.

Conclusion

Acute high level loading of AM with ultrafine carbon black particles per se does not increase the susceptibility of mice to pneumococcal infection in vivo.     

Superhydrophobic–superoleophilic electrospun nanofibrous membrane modified by the chemical vapor deposition of dimethyl dichlorosilane for efficient oil–water separation

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic functionalized electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with water repellence, breathability, and oil-sorption and oil–water separation properties were achieved with a combination of an electrospinning technique and the chemical vapor deposition of dichlorodimethyl silane. The samples were laterally characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle measurement, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The maximum water contact angle value was 152.0 ± 2.5° for the PVDF nanofibrous membranes with 500 μL of deposited silane (PMS2) obtained under certain conditions. The PMS2 membranes showed 100.0, 93.7, 23.3, 35.0, and 100.0% separation efficiencies for n-hexane, kerosene, crude oil, frying oil, and toluene, respectively. The understudy membrane exhibited reasonable waterproofness and remarkable breathability (water vapor transition rate = 215.21 g/m².h). Moreover, the superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanofibrous membranes also showed good reusability, stability, moderate water-repellent properties, breathability, antifouling properties, and oil–water separation ability after several cycles. These properties confirmed potential in feasible applications, including protective cloths and in the purification of oil-polluted water. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47621.     

Catalytic degradation of waste high-density polyethylene into fuel products using BaCO3 as a catalyst

Waste high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was degraded thermally and catalytically using BaCO₃ as a catalyst under different conditions of temperature, cat/pol ratio and time. The oil collected at optimum conditions (450 °C, 0.1 cat/pol ratio and 2 h reaction time) was fractionated at different temperatures and fuel property of the fractions and parent oil was evaluated by their physicochemical parameters for fuel tests. The results were compared with the standard values for gasoline, kerosene and diesel oil. Boiling point distribution (BPD) curves were plotted from the gas chromatographic study of the samples and compared with that of the standard gasoline, kerosene and diesel. The oil samples were analyzed using GC/MS in order to find out their composition. The physical parameters and the composition of the parent oil and its fractions support the resemblance of the samples with the standard fuel oils. The light fractions best match with gasoline, the middle fractions match with kerosene and the heavier fractions match with diesel oil in almost all of the characteristic properties.     

Quantitative effects of synthesis conditions on oil absorptive properties of oil gels based on EPDM/4‐tert‐Butylstyrene

The oil absorption properties of porous polymeric gels are dependent on their synthesis conditions. In this work, we have investigated whether it is feasible to find a quantitative relationship between the synthesis conditions of porous poly(EDPM/4‐tert‐Butylstyrene) gels and their behavior in the kerosene absorption through a factorial design of experiments. For this purpose, a series of such oil gels have been synthesized in toluene with various divinylbenzene (DVB) and EPDM contents. The kerosene absorbency and kerosene‐absorption kinetics of oil gels were determined. Finally, empirical models correlating the synthesis conditions with the kerosene absorbency (Q_eq) and kerosene‐absorption kinetic constant (K) were calculated; it was observed that lower the DVB concentration and higher the EPDM fraction in the monomeric mixtures, the higher the kerosene absorbency. With regard to the kerosene‐absorption kinetics, the largest K value was achieved with the lowest DVB concentration and the highest EPDM fraction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Solvent extraction of titanium from nitrate medium using some organophosphorus extractants

The extraction of Ti(IV) from nitric acid has been carried out using some organophosphorus extractants in kerosene. The Ti(IV) extraction in the investigated systems is endothermic. Oxalic acid was effective for stripping Ti(IV). The maximum loading of Ti(IV) was found to be 6.13 × 10^?3, 6.175 × 10^?3 and 5.005 × 10^?3 M of Ti(IV) per mole extractant for CYANEX 925, 923 and 921, respectively, after five extraction stages. Kerosene is a more effective diluent for extraction of Ti(IV). FT-IR characterization and the separation of Ti(IV) are also discussed.     

Type I Interferons Enhance the Repair of Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced DNA Damage and Regulate Cutaneous Immune Suppression

Type I interferons (IFNs) are important enhancers of immune responses which are downregulated in human cancers, including skin cancer. Solar ultraviolet (UV) B radiation is a proven environmental carcinogen, and its exposure contributes to the high prevalence of skin cancer. The carcinogenic effects of UV light can be attributed to the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and errors in the repair and replication of DNA. Treatment with a single dose of UVB (100 mJ/cm²) upregulated IFNα and IFNβ in the skin of C57BL/6 mice. IFNα and IFNβ were predominantly produced by CD11b+ cells. In mice lacking the type I IFN receptor 1 (IFNAR1), the repair of CPD following cutaneous exposure to a single dose of UVB (100 mJ/cm²) was decreased. UVB induced the expression of the DNA repair gene xeroderma pigmentosum A (XPA) in wild-type (WT) mice. In contrast, such treatment in IFNAR1 (IFNAR1-/-) mice downregulated XPA. A local UVB regimen consisting of UVB radiation (150 mJ/cm²) for 4 days followed by sensitization with hapten 2,4, dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) resulted in significant suppression of immune responses in both WT and IFNAR1-/- mice. However, there were significantly higher CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells in the draining lymph nodes of IFNAR1-/- mice in comparison to WT mice. Overall, our studies reveal a previously unknown action of type I IFNs in the repair of photodamage and the prevention of UVB-induced immune suppression.     

载铜活性炭催化氧化深度降解石油污水中的COD

用载铜活性炭和污水中溶解氧体系 ,催化氧化法深度降解石油污水中的COD。活性炭用7.5 %Cu(NO3 ) 2 溶液浸渍 ,在 2 6 0℃还原固化 ,制得催化剂。用固定床式水处理柱 ,对经混凝沉降处理后COD值难以达标的石油污水进行深度处理研究。pH值为 7.5± 0 .5 ,经曝气的石油污水 ,在 2 5～ 30℃条件下与催化体系接触 2h ,可将 45倍于催化剂体积的石油污水中的COD值由 30 0mg/L以上降至 10 0mg/L以下。催化剂可通过制备方法得以再生。该体系在石油污水的深度达标处理中应用前景广阔。     

Nano-titanium dioxide modulates the dermal sensitization potency of DNCB

ABSTRACT: We determined the ability of a model nanoparticle (NP) (titanium dioxide, TiO2) to modulate sensitization induced by a known potent dermal sensitizer (dinitrochlorobenzene) using a variant of the local lymph node assay called lymph node proliferation assay. BALB/c mice received sub-cutaneous injections of vehicle (2.5 mM sodium citrate), TiO2 NPs (0.004, 0.04 or 0.4 mg/ml) or pigment particles (0.04 mg/ml) both stabilized in sodium citrate buffer at the base of each ear (2x50mul), before receiving dermal applications (on both ears) of 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) (2x25mul of 0.1 %) or its vehicle (acetone olive oil - AOO (4:1)) on days 0, 1 and 2. On day 5, the stimulation index (SI) was calculated as a ratio of 3HTdR incorporation in lymphocytes from DNBC-treated mice and AOO-treated controls. In a second experiment the EC3-value for DNCB (0 to 0.1 %) was assessed in the absence or presence of 0.04 mg/ml TiO2. In a third experiment, the lymphocyte subpopulations and the cytokine secretion profile were analyzed after TiO2 (0.04 mg/ml) and DNCB (0.1 %) treatment. Injection of NPs in AOO-treated control mice did not have any effect on lymph node (LN) proliferation. DNCB sensitization resulted in LN proliferation, which was further increased by injection of TiO2 NPs before DNCB sensitization. The EC3 of DNCB, with prior injection of vehicle control was 0.041 %, while injection with TiO2 decreased the EC3 of DNCB to 0.015 %. TiO2 NPs pre-treatment did not alter the lymphocyte subpopulations, but significantly increased the level of IL-4 and decreased IL-10 production in DNCB treated animals. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that administration of nano-TiO2 increases the dermal sensitization potency of DNCB, by augmenting a Th2 response, showing the immunomodulatory abilities of NPs.     

青海原油综合评价

对青海原油进行了综合评价。结果表明,该原油密度小（849.9 kg/m3）,硫含量0.51%,蜡含量4.98%,属于轻质含硫含蜡原油。重整原料和汽油馏分烷烃含量较高,适宜做乙烯裂解料,煤、柴油馏分变色严重,硫、氮含量高,均需加强加氢精制效果。减压蜡油Cp高（70.63%）,CA低（18.01%）,残炭值低（0.0256%）,重金属含量较小,既适合生产高黏度指数润滑油,又是催化裂解的优良原料。渣油的硫含量较高（6 200 mg/kg）,沥青质含量高（6.2%）,重金属铁（45.73μg/g）、镍（35.29μg/g）、钙（73.86μg/g）含量较高,作催化裂化原料时,应注意其掺炼。     

小鼠多能干细胞对小鼠肝脏电离辐射损伤的作用

目的探讨小鼠多能干细胞(mouse pluripotent stem cells,miPS)对小鼠肝脏电离辐射损伤的作用。方法采用医用电子直线加速器进行单次全身性照射(电子辐射线源为6 MeV,照射总剂量为8 Gy,照射剂量率为1. 0 Gy/min)。辐射组于辐射后12和24 h,经小鼠尾静脉注射生理盐水(200μL/只);治疗组于照射后12和24 h,经尾静脉注射mi PS细胞悬浮液[3×106个/(200μL·只)];对照组小鼠不进行辐射,仅注射生理盐水(200μL/只)。末次注射后1、3、7、14 d,记录小鼠体重、计算肝脏指数,并检测小鼠肝脏中超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)及丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)水平;末次注射后14 d,观察小鼠状态,并采用组织病理学方法观察肝脏病理形态学变化。结果与对照组比较,辐射组小鼠精神状态和食欲状况均不佳,体重显著降低(P <0. 05),肝脏指数差异无统计学意义(P> 0. 05),肝脏中SOD活性显著降低(P <0. 01),MDA水平显著升高(P <0. 05);与辐射组比较,治疗组小鼠体重明显升高(P <0. 05),肝脏指数差异无统计学意义(P> 0. 05),肝脏中SOD活性显著升高(P <0. 05),MDA水平显著降低(P <0. 01)。对照组小鼠肝脏组织无明显病变;辐射组小鼠肝细胞发生明显肿胀及肝细胞索紊乱等明显病理变化;治疗组小鼠肝细胞索排列整齐,肝细胞轻度肿胀,病理变化得到改善。结论 miPS可通过其增殖分化减少小鼠体内氧化应激产生的细胞凋亡,对电离辐射造成的小鼠肝脏损害有明显的修复作用。     

Detection of overexpressed COX-2 in precancerous lesions of hamster pancreas and lungs by molecular imaging: implications for early diagnosis and prevention

The enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in many cancers, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and arthritis. Selective inhibitors of COX-2 have been developed as therapeutics or preventive agents for these diseases. However, recent reports have revealed a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality in long-term users of the COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx and Celebrex, emphasizing the need for noninvasive tests that allow the identification of individuals whose COX-2 levels are overexpressed prior to assignment to treatment with these drugs. In this study, we have prepared a radioiodinated analogue of the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib, and verified its binding to the COX-2 enzyme in vitro. Biodistribution studies in hamsters demonstrated significantly higher levels of radiotracer in animals treated with the tobacco carcinogen NNK in lung, pancreas, and liver. Assessment of COX-2 levels by whole-body planar nuclear imaging two hours after injection of the radiotracer was suggestive of a distinct increase in COX-2 in the pancreas and liver of a hamster treated for 10 weeks with NNK, in the lungs and liver of a second animal, and in the liver only, in two additional animals from the same treatment group. Immunostains showed selective overexpression of COX-2 in pre-neoplastic lesions of the pancreas and lungs in only those animals that showed tracer accumulation in these organs and in the livers of all NNK-treated hamsters. Immunostains for COX-1 yielded detectable reactions in the intestinal epithelium but not in pancreas, lungs, or liver, supporting the specificity of the tracer for COX-2. Our data provide proof of principle for the hypothesis that molecular imaging with radiolabeled COX-2 inhibitors can be used for the noninvasive monitoring of overexpressed COX-2 levels.     

辛二酰苯胺氧肟酸对人脐静脉内皮细胞增殖及血管形成的影响

目的探讨组蛋白去乙酰化酶抑制剂(Histone deacetylases inhibitor,HDACi)辛二酰苯胺氧肟酸(Suberoy-lanilide hydroxamic acid,SAHA)对人脐静脉内皮细胞(Human umbilical vein endothelial cell,HUVEC)增殖及血管形成能力的影响。方法收集处于对数生长期的HUVEC,以不同浓度的SAHA分别处理24和48 h,另设不加SAHA的对照组,采用CCK-8法检测细胞的增殖活力,并计算增殖抑制率和半数抑制浓度(IC50)。采用流式细胞术检测经15μmol/L SAHA处理48 h的HUVEC凋亡和细胞周期,基质胶体外血管生成试验检测HUVEC的体外成管能力,Western blot法检测HUVEC细胞周期及凋亡相关蛋白的表达水平。结果随着SAHA浓度的增加及作用时间的延长,其对HUVEC增殖的抑制作用增强,SAHA浓度高于80μmol/L时,抑制率增加不明显,24和48 h的IC50值分别为60.53和30.49μmol/L;经15μmol/L SAHA处理48 h,与对照组相比,HUVEC的凋亡率明显增加(P<0.001),S期细胞比例明显升高(P<0.001),G0/G1期比例明显降低(P<0.001),体外成管能力明显下降,P21、caspase-3激活型、caspase-9酶原和激活型蛋白的表达水平均明显升高(P<0.001)。结论 SAHA能够抑制HUVEC增殖及体外血管形成能力,并使P21、caspase-3和caspase-9蛋白水平上调,为肿瘤的治疗提供了一种新的思路。     

Penetration and distribution of α-tocopherol, α- or γ-tocotrienols applied individually onto murine skin

To evaluate skin penetration of various vitamin E homologs, a 5% solution of either α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, or γ-tocotrienol in polyethylene glycol was topically applied to SKH-1 hairless mice. After 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 h (n=four per time point and four per vitamin E homolog), the skin was washed, the animals killed, the skin rapidlly removed, frozen on dry ice, and a biopsy taken and sectioned: stratum corneum (two uppermost, 5-μm sections—SC1 and SC2), epidermis (next two 10μm sections—E1 and E2), papillary dermis (next 100μ, PD), dermis (next 400 μm, D), and subcutaneous fat (next 100 μm, SF). SC1 contained the highest vitamin E concentrations per μ thickness. To compare the distribution of the various vitamin E forms into the skin layers, the percentage of each form was expressed per its respective total. Most surprising was that the largest fraction of skin vitamin E following topical application was found in the deeper subcutaneous layers—the lowest layers, PD (40±15%) and D (36±15%), contained the major portion of the applied vitamin E forms. Although PD only represents about 16% of the total skin thickness, it contains sebaceous glands—lipid secretory organs, and, thus, may account for the vitamin E affinity for this layer. Hence, applied vitamin E penetrates rapidly through the skin, but the highest concentrations are found in the uppermost 5 microns.