A Study of the Soluble Proteins of Normal and Pathologic Horny Tissues by a Modified Disc Electrophoresis Technique

The study utilized a modified disc electrophoresis technique to identify soluble proteins in various horny tissues, including hair, nails, calluses, and the stratum corneum. The technique allowed for the extraction and separation of proteins from small tissue samples within 20 minutes. Results showed two soluble proteins in hair and nails, four in calluses, and five in the stratum corneum. Pathologic scales from psoriasis and exfoliative dermatitis patients revealed eight protein bands, indicating a higher abundance of soluble proteins compared to normal tissues. This method could potentially serve as a diagnostic tool for identifying pathologic conditions in horny tissues.