Inflammation due to intra-cutaneous implantation of stratum corneum.

Fragments of sterile heel callus and suspensions of human corneocytes were implanted or injected intra-cutaneously into flank skin of guinea pigs. A mixed cellular type of inflammation was produced characterized by the accumulation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the early stages and a more granulomatous picture in the later stages. Epithelial hypertrophy and follicular distortion with transepidermal elimination was a frequent accompaniment. Immunoglobulins and the complement component C3 were found scattered irregularly in the inflammation produced and were not thought to be important in the process. The inflammation produced closely emulated the changes observed in acne inflammation and after rupture of horn containing cysts. It is suggested that inflammation caused by the implantation of horn may be suitable for study of human skin disease in which horny debris is released into the dermis, such as acne.