title: Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging in skin: biophysical and biochemical microscopy.
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 skin 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 advantages, such as high spatial resolution and providing specific biochemical and biophysical information that cannot be obtained by other methods in skin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Clinic, Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Groth
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Herrling
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Milbradt
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zimmer
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Packer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002073:Butanes; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals; D008301:Maleimides / Q000032:analysis; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides / Q000032:analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry*; D013113:Spin Labels
chemical_list: D002073:Butanes; D005609:Free Radicals; D008301:Maleimides; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides; D013113:Spin Labels; C007539:di-t-butyl nitroxide; D009569:Nitric Oxide