Original Article

Journal of Investigative Dermatology (1992) 98, 713–719; doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12499919

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Imaging in Skin: Biophysical and Biochemcial Microscopy

Jürgen Fuchs1, Norbert Groth2, Thomas Herrling2, Ranier Milbradt1, Guido Zimmer3 and Lester Packer4

  1. 1Department of Dermatology, University Clinic, Frankfurt
  2. 2Department of Scientific Instruments, Academy of Sciences, Berlin, Germany
  3. 3Department of Biological Chemistry, University Clinic, Frankfurt
  4. 4Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, U.S.A.

Received 26 February 1991; Accepted 30 August 1991.

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Abstract

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is a spectroscopic technique that allows detection of paramagnetic compounds, e.,g., free radicals, in skin, and is used for measuring skin membrane fluidity and polarity. EPR imaging is concerned with spatially resolved EPR spectroscopy. We studied EPR images at X-band frequency (9 GHz) in the skin biopsies of hairless mice. Our particular imaging technique utilized a modulated field gradient to obtain cross-sectional images perpendicular to the skill surface. Employing nitroxide free radicals, this approach allows analysis of skin biophysical and biochemical features at the micrometer resolution level. By spin labeling drugs, pharmacokinetic properties of the labeled compound can be monitored in skin. We suggest that EPR imaging has a broad application potential in dermatologic research. In comparison to other spatially visualizing techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging and ultrasound, EPR imaging has significant advantage such as high spatial resolution and providing specific biochemical and biophysical information that cannot obtained by other methods in skin.

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