Analysis of soluble antigens in guinea-pig epidermis. 3. The localization of the different tissue specific antigens in the epidermis.

The distribution of five epidermis specific antigens in three fractions of guinea-pig epidermis (epidermal cells, intercellular substances and the superficial epidermis, or granular and horny layers) was investigated and compared with the antigens found in guinea-pig embryo and adult epidermis and in guinea-pig hairs. Four of the antigens were considered to be non-bacterial as they were demonstrated in embryo epidermis as well as in the adult tissue. These antigens appeared to be synthesized in the epidermal cells, after which they migrated to the superficial epidermal layers, where they were shown to accumulate and, in some cases, undergo fragmentation. Only one antigen was found in any quantity in the intercellular spaces, however although three of these antigens were found to be stable in 8 M urea, none of these could be demonstrated in guinea-pig hairs. The fifth antigen (Sp4), not found in the embryo tissue, could be of bacterial nature, as its presence, in small amounts, in the epidermal cells is probably due to contamination of this fraction by material from the superficial layers of the epidermis.