A Possible Mechanism on Keratinization of Wool Fiber in Folicle

Abstract

The keratinization process of wool fiber in follicle was discussed on the orientation of microfibril to the direction of fiber axis considering the driving force for the appearance of Kerr effect. The deference of oxidation-reduction potential values between both edges of the follicle region being in process of keratinization was in the order of 250 mV by the application of the Nernst equation. The electric potential gradient dψ/dx calculated by considering the thickness of keratinization region was about 25 V/cm which corresponded to the value required for the high speed electric spinning of gelatin thread in the model experiment. It was also confirmed that the appeared potential gradient could deform the cortical cell the spindle shape if the relative electric conductivity of the inner follicle solution surrounding cortical cells is lower than that of the cells. For the discussion on the overall keratinization process the speed of electron transfer across the intercellular region of wool fiber was compared with that across the kerateine or inter cellular material immobilized in an artificial membrane.