title: Keratinocytes at the uppermost layer of epidermis might act as sensors of atmospheric pressure change.
abstract: It has long been suggested that climate, especially atmospheric pressure change, can cause health problems ranging from migraine to myocardial infarction. Here, I hypothesize that the sensory system of epidermal keratinocytes mediates the influence of atmospheric pressure change on the human physiological condition. We previously demonstrated that even subtle changes of atmospheric pressure (5-20 hPa) induce elevation of intracellular calcium level in cultured human keratinocytes (excitation of keratinocytes). It is also established that communication occurs between epidermal keratinocytes and peripheral nerve systems. Moreover, various neurotransmitters and hormones that influence multiple systems (nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems) are generated and released from epidermal keratinocytes in response to various external stimuli. Thus, I suggest that pathophysiological phenomena induced by atmospheric pressure changes might be triggered by epidermal keratinocytes.
authors.affiliation: Shiseido Global Innovation Center, 2-2-1, Hayabuchi, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, 224-8558 Japan ; Japan Science Technology Agency CREST, Kawaguchi, Japan.
authors.forename: Mitsuhiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Denda
keywords: Climate influences; Pain; Peripheral circulation; Peripheral nerve system