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Histology and Chemistry of Keratin Formation

Abstract

KERATINIZATION, by the holocrine transformation of epithelial cells, occurs normally in the mammalian epidermis, œsophagus, œstrous vagina, and thymic corpuscles. It accompanies abnormal epithelial transformations after œstrogen administration (in genital organs), in vitamin A deficiency, consequent to trauma (including radiation), and in certain cancers. The etiology of keratinization, which represents differentiation by organized cell deaths, remains unknown; however, the suggestion that a local lack or inactivation of vitamin A is responsible is a possibility1,2.

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BERN, H. Histology and Chemistry of Keratin Formation. Nature 174, 509–511 (1954). https://doi.org/10.1038/174509b0

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