Preservation of Melanoblasts in White Hair Follicles of Segmental Vitiligo Lesions: A Preliminary Study

May 2010 in “ JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Hwangjun Song, Goda Choi, Jung-Hye Shin

segmental vitiligo white hair follicles melanocytes tyrosinase-positive melanocytes immunohistochemical staining melanoblasts stem cell factor SCF c-kit melanocyte reservoir

TLDR White hair follicles in vitiligo have fewer and less functional melanocytes.

This preliminary study examined two patients with segmental vitiligo and found that white hair follicles in vitiligo lesions contained fewer melanocytes and lacked functional tyrosinase-positive melanocytes compared to black hair follicles. Immunohistochemical staining showed the presence of melanoblasts in both white and black hair follicles, but with reduced expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit in white hair follicles. The study concluded that while the melanocyte reservoir was not depleted, the number and functionality of melanocytes were reduced in white hair follicles, suggesting a potential role of SCF in vitiligo pathogenesis and recommending further research.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 22 results

community One full year of treatment before and after

in Progress Pictures 18 upvotes 1 year ago

A user shared their one-year progress with hair loss treatment, using topical minoxidil, 2% keto shampoo, microneedling, and finasteride. They plan to start dutasteride and are considering switching to oral minoxidil.

community When someone posts a scalp tension theory

in Satire 264 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss theories discussed include poor blood flow, scalp tension, inflammation, and DHT. Treatments mentioned are massaging scalp, minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community The story of RU58841/ PSK3841

Typical-Promise-3001 in Research 622 upvotes 1 year ago

RU58841, a potential hair loss treatment, was not commercialized due to marketability issues and lack of long-term safety data. Concerns about its formulation and delivery methods further complicate its use.

community Evaluate your progress with an objective tool

in Progress Pictures 40 upvotes 1 year ago

The post discusses using ImageJ software to objectively track hair regrowth progress. The user is treating Androgen alopecia with dutasteride and minoxidil.

community Guide To Finasteride and Avoiding Side Effects

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 26 upvotes 3 years ago

The conversation provides a guide on using finasteride for hair loss, suggesting to start with a quarter of a 1mg pill daily after ensuring estradiol levels are within a specific range, and potentially increasing the dose if no side effects occur. It also recommends supplements like DIM, Calcium d-glucarate, and Zinc to manage high estradiol levels and side effects from finasteride.

community Next month marks 2 years on Dutasteride. When does it start working?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 36 upvotes 1 year ago

A user has been on dutasteride for nearly 2 years with no improvement in hair loss, expressing frustration. Other users suggest checking for other health conditions, getting bloodwork, and considering stopping TRT or trying finasteride.