Melanocytes in Human Embryonic and Fetal Skin: A Review and New Findings

    December 1988 in “ Pigment Cell Research ”
    Karen A. Holbrook, Arthur Vogel, Robert Underwood, Carolyn A. Foster
    TLDR Melanocytes appear in fetal skin early, but their development details are still unclear.
    The review discussed the development and distribution of melanocytes in human embryonic and fetal skin. Melanocytes, originating from the neural crest, migrated into the epidermis early in development. Historical studies used histochemical methods and electron microscopy to identify differentiated melanocytes. Research by Zimmerman and colleagues in the mid-20th century detailed the timing and density of melanocytes in black embryos and fetuses. More recent advancements involved monoclonal antibodies like HMB-45, which identified melanocytes in the epidermis as early as 40-50 days gestational age. These findings highlighted non-random distribution patterns and raised unresolved questions about melanocyte development and interaction with keratinocytes.
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