Skin surface electric potential induced by ion-flux through epidermal celllayers

The skin surface electric potential has been widely used for psychological studies because it is sensitive to emotional conditions. We measured the el ectric potential on the surface of hairless mice skin in organ culture with several physiological factors. Disruption of mitochondrial function and in hibition of ATPase reduced the skin surface potential 50-70%. Calcium, pota ssium, and sodium channel blockers also reduced the potential. A calcium-sp ecific and potassium ionophore reduced the potential, but the calcium and m agnesium ionophore increased it. EDTA decreased the potential but EGTA had no effect. Skin surface barrier disruption reduced the potential and calciu m and potassium channel blockers partially prevented the decrease. Substanc e P and corticotropin-releasing factor decreased the potential, and antagon ists blocked the decreases. These results suggest that the ion flux in the nucleated layer of the epidermis induce the skin surface potential and it i s influenced by environmental and neuroendocrinological factors. (C) 2001 A cademic Press.