title: In pursuit of ceruminolytic agents: a study of earwax composition.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the protein and simple sugar content of earwax in pursuit of better ceruminolytic agents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Collected earwax specimens were tested in several media for dissolution before being analyzed for amino acid and carbohydrate content.
  
  
  METHODS
  The samples were obtained from eight random patients requiring ear plug removal.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The amino acid composition differs considerably from hair and stratum corneum of glabrous skin. Sugar analysis revealed high levels of galactosamine and galactose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This analysis of proteins and carbohydrates further characterizes earwax. Future ceruminolytic agents must dissolve lipid, keratin, and a monolayer of lipid covalently bound to the epidermal cells, which encourages cellular aggregation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biosciences, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Burkhart
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Burkhart
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Adappa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arbogast
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D002571:Cerumen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D003720:Densitometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D002241:Carbohydrates