OCTN-1 (novel organic cation transporter) was recently identified as the receptor for EGT and responsible for its intracellular accumulation. This study of keratinocytes (NHEK) and fibroblasts (NHDF) indicate that the OCTN-1 protein is readily detectable in both skin cell types and suggest that these cells can uptake, store and utilize EGT.
Results show that NHDF treated with EGT had significantly lower levels of damaging hydroxlyl radicals over an one hour period than those treated with idebenone.