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. 2009;54(4):313-8.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.57604.

Vitiligo and the melanocyte reservoir

Rafael Falabella  1
Affiliations

Vitiligo and the melanocyte reservoir

Rafael Falabella. Indian J Dermatol. 2009.

Abstract

Repigmentation of vitiligo depends on available melanocytes from three possible sources: from the hair follicle unit which is the main provider of pigment cells, from the border of vitiligo lesions, and from unaffected melanocytes within depigmented areas; pigment cells at these locations originate a perifollicular, border spreading and a diffuse repigmentation pattern. In order for repigmentation to take place under stimulation with diverse therapies, melanocytes should be present in appropriate numbers. Melanocyte tissue stem cells located in the niche at the bulge region of the hair follicle are the most important sources for providing immature pigment cells that undergo terminal differentiation and originate repigmentation, but cytokines, UVR and other molecules acting in melanogenesis with adequate regulation mechanisms contribute to successful recovery in vitiligo. The presence of keratinocyte stem cells in the interfollicular epidermis raises the question on the possibility of melanocyte stem cells in a similar location and the development of future strategies for therapeutic purposes.

Keywords: Hair follicle; melanocyte; reservoir; stem cells; vitiligo.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Perifollicular repigmentation pattern. Multiple small pigmented spots around hairs at different stages of progression are observed. In some areas, coalescence of these pigmentary islands leads to complete repigmentation
Figure 2
Figure 2
Marginal repigmentation pattern. Repigmentation around the periphery of lesion advancing 4-5 mm from the edge may be observed
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diffuse repigmentation pattern. Several patches of repigmentation on the dorsum of forearm in this patient indicate recovery with a diffuse pattern
Figure 4
Figure 4
The melanocyte reservoir. Illustration depicts the location of keratinocyte and melanocyte stem cells. Other, mature terminal melanocytes are also shown
Figure 5
Figure 5
Leukotrichia. Hair pigmentation has been completely lost many years after vitiligo onset. At this point, repigmentation is not possible with medical therapy because of the complete destruction of the melanocyte reservoir
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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