Proliferative epidermis of essential fatty acid deficient mice has reduced cyclic AMP content.

We have simultaneously measured epidermal DNA synthesis, epidermal thickness and cyclic nucleotide levels in essential fatty acid (EFA) deficient hairless mice skin. In vitro epidermal DNA synthesis and epidermal thickness were significantly increased in EFA deficient epidermis. Cyclic AMP levels were significantly reduced when expressed using three different data bases. Cyclic GMP levels were increased using two data bases but these increases were not statistically significant; Cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP ratios were significantly decreased in the EFA deficient skin. The results provide evidence that cyclic nucleotide levels are altered in an animal model of benign epidermal proliferation.