[Importance of the plasma membrane for epidermal regulation processes].

In this review the general structure and the properties of the plasma membrane are described with respect to the recent findings on the membrane of the keratinocyte. A structural and functional model of the plasma membrane of the keratinocyte is proposed based on biochemical, electron microscopic and fluorescence microscopic findings. The plasma membrane is obviously involved in the control of intercellular adhesion, growth and differentiation of normal epidermal cells. Under pathological conditions an alteration of the plasma membrane of the keratinocyte may affect the intercellular communication and/or the cellular control by mediators.