In Vivo Multiphoton Microscopy Imaging of Vitiligo
March 2019
TLDR Multiphoton microscopy helps understand and improve vitiligo treatments by visualizing skin cell changes.
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.
