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.

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