subject: Melanocytes Function and Vitiligo Cure [print this page] Melanocytes Function and Vitiligo Cure Melanocytes Function and Vitiligo Cure
Melanocytes are epidermic cells that are responsible for producing and imparting color to the skin. They are located in the stratum basale, the bottom layer of skin epidermis. Melanocytes can be found in the middle layer of the eye (the uvea), the inner ear, meninges, bones, and heart.
Within the epidermis, melanocytes are in a ratio of about 10 keratinocytes to 1 melanocyte. Almost about 30 keratinocytes are supplied with pigmentation with only one melanocyte through it dendrites. There are usually about 1000 to 2000 melanocytes per square millimeter of skin. Melanocytes comprise from 5% to 10% of the cells in the basal layer of epidermis. Although their size can vary, melanocytes are typically 7 micrometres in length.
Located in the cytoplasm of the melanocytes are the organelles known as melanosome, responsible for the production and deposition of pigment through the melanongenesis process. This process employs Tyrosinase from amino acid tyrosine which leads to the production of new skin pigments(melanin) resulting in long-lasting tan, which is in contrast to the tan that originates from oxidation of already-existing melanin.
The number of melanin produced in melanosomes determines the color of the skin. In other words, the difference in skin color between lightly and darkly pigmented individuals is due to the melanocytes' level of activity and relative amounts of eumelanin and pheomelanin. The determination of skin complexion does not depend upon the quantity of melanocytes present in the body.
How are melanocytes related to vitiligo?
Vitiligo is long lasting skin disease believed to be caused due to the impaired function of melanocytes, which enables them to produce the required number of melanin pigments to give color to the skin. It is a common believe of many that the immune system of the body produces antigens that destroy these melanocytes. These antigens are presumed to be due to the auto-immune disease such as thyroids. Some times genes are also suspected for the production of these antibodies suggested by the studies for vitiligo treatment, although it has not been proven yet.
The treatment for Vitiligo discovered so far is attempts to re-gain the melanocyte's level of activity to cure vitiligo and regain the skin color through various procedures.
The treatments for Vitiligo discovered so far are attempts to re-gain the melanocyte's level of activity to cure vitiligo and regain the skin color through various procedures.
