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Science 3 December 1971:
Vol. 174. no. 4013, pp. 1034 - 1035
DOI: 10.1126/science.174.4013.1034
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Articles

Melanin Pigmentation: An in vivo Model for Studies of Melanosome Kinetics within Keratinocytes

Klaus Wolff 1 and Klaus Konrad 1

1 Department of Dermatology I, University of Vienna, A 1090 Vienna, Austria

The phagocytosis of latex beads by epidermal cells is proposed as a model for stludies on melanosome kinetics within the epidermis. Large latex beads (0.8 micrometer) are ingested singly, whereas, small beads (0.1 micrometer) are taken up in groups, results showing that the uptake mechanism depends on the size of thze indlividual particles. This size-dependency may explain the different distribution patterns of melanosomes and thus the differences of skin color in the Caucasoid and Negroid races.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Hereditary Congenital Hypopigmented and Hyperpigmented Macules.
W. Westerhof, F. A. Beemer, R. H. Cormane, J. W. Delleman, W. R. Faber, J. G. Y. de Jong, and W. W. van der Schaar (1978)
Arch Dermatol 114, 931-936
   Abstract »    PDF »
Skin Color, Melanin, and Erythema.
R. L. Olson, J. Gaylor, and M. A. Everett (1973)
Arch Dermatol 108, 541-544
   Abstract »    PDF »
Hyperpigmentation, Melanosome Size, and Distribution Patterns of Melanosomes.
K. Konrad and K. Wolff (1973)
Arch Dermatol 107, 853-860
   Abstract »    PDF »


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)