Melanocyte reservoir in vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Dopa-negative, inactive melanocytes, present in the middle portion of the hair follicle, but also in hair bulbs, have been reported as a source of pigment cells, when repopulation of epidermal melanocytes occurs. A melanocyte reservoir in these anatomical sites has been suggested. Our objective was to investigate the ability of the lower third of the hair follicle (hair bulb) to repigment achromic skin in vitiligo.

Methods: Scalp hair bulbs were transplanted within leukodermic areas in 10 patients with vitiligo.

Results: Repigmentation around the grafts was suitable for evaluation in four cases. Dopa-positive (+) cells were seen in the epidermal basal cell layer of the repigmented areas.

Conclusions: Although these findings were observed only in a few patients, they suggest that melanocytes from the implanted lower third portion of the hair follicle (hair bulb) act as a reservoir in this anatomic location and are able to migrate and repigment achromic areas in vitiligo.