Electron Microscope Studies of the Human Epidermis: The Clear Cell of Masson (Dendritic Cell or Melanocyte)

This study used atomic force microscopy to image surface structures of human epidermal melanocytes, hair follicle amelanotic melanocytes, and mouse melanoma cells, revealing differences in branch structure and granule distribution.

This study observed unexpected heterogeneity among pigment cells in human scalp hair follicles, identifying immature melanocyte populations outside traditional pigment production zones, raising questions about their potential roles beyond melanin synthesis.

This study observed that amelanotic melanocytes from human hair follicles appeared morphologically immature, suggesting they might not transfer melanosomes into keratinocytes.

In this study, researchers explored the heterogeneity of pigment cells in the human scalp anagen hair follicle bulb and discovered unexpected subpopulations of melanocytes, including immature SOX10-negative cells, highlighting potential non-melanogenic roles or transitional migratory functions that require further investigation.