Chelators Depigment and Increase Elasticity of Mink Skin

The study investigated the effects of subcutaneous injections of four Cu2+ and Fe2+ ion chelators on scanblack minks, focusing on skin and hair depigmentation, skin elasticity, and hair growth. It was found that adrenaline and a higher dose of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate led to skin and hair depigmentation, increased skin elasticity, and disrupted hair growth. All chelators increased serum levels of copper, iron, and zinc. Despite these changes, mink fur quality remained unaffected. The study suggested that the depigmentation and increased skin elasticity were due to the alteration or inhibition of metalloenzymes like tyrosine hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase, which require Cu2+/Fe2+ ions. The increased skin elasticity was likened to that seen in type V Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, associated with lysyl oxidase deficiency and reduced collagen cross-linking.