In Vivo Multiphoton Microscopy Imaging of Vitiligo
March 2019
Studysummary This pilot study employed in-vivo multiphoton microscopy to visualize pigment-producing melanocytes in vitiligo patients, aiming to enhance understanding of treatment impacts and potentially improve transplantation therapies.
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This pilot study utilized in-vivo multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to examine the structural features of melanocytes involved in the repigmentation of vitiligo-affected skin. The study involved 10 patients undergoing treatments such as UVB light therapy or skin micro-grafting followed by UVB therapy. MPM, a nonlinear laser scanning microscopy technique, provided sub-cellular resolution and label-free molecular contrast, allowing visualization of melanocytes near hair follicles, migrating melanocytes in the epidermis, newly pigmented keratinocytes, and epidermal melanin granules. The study aimed to enhance understanding of melanocytic activity and improve transplantation therapies for vitiligo by defining the phenotypic characteristics of migrating melanocytes.
