[Biochemistry of free amino acids in the stratum corneum of human epidermis. I. The reaction of arginase (author's transl)].

The human horny layer contains insoluble arginase, which is tied to keratinic cells, with an activity of about 1 mU/cm2 skinsurface. About 50 p.c. of arginase is inhibited by water soluble substances of horny layer or by using soaps and syndets. By washing the skinsurface with water the activity increases. Presumable the horny layer arginase has a function in the urea production of sweat.