The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (VIII): is the epidermal lipid barrier defective?

In humans with atopic dermatitis (AD), it is suspected that the epidermal l ipid barrier is abnormal because of combined insufficient extrusion of lipi d-containing organelles into the superficial epidermal intercellular spaces as well as skin lipid metabolic defects. To date, studies investigating sk in hydration and lipids in atopic dogs are scarce and unfortunately have yi elded conflicting data. Whether or not dogs with AD exhibit dry skin and an inadequate stratum corneum barrier, therefore, kemains the subject of spec ulation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.