Electric stimulus opens intercellular spaces in skin

Abstract

Background: Although skin is a tight barrier, transdermal liposome delivery is achievable by faint electric stimulus (ES). Results: ES caused rigid nanoparticle penetration into the epidermis, and induced connexin 43 phosphorylation, actin fiber depolymerization and Ca2 -influx. Conclusion: Our data indicate that ES opens epidermis intercellular spaces via intracellular signaling activation. Significance: Skin barrier permeability could be controlled by ES via changes in cutaneous physiological properties. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.