The Expression of the alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (alpha-MSH) and Melanocortin-1 Receptor (MC1R) in the Epidermis of the Vitiligo.
- Author:
Young Chang CHA
1
;
Hyun Joo LEE
;
Seok Jong LEE
;
Gun Yoen NA
;
Sang Lip CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. nagy@knu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Vitiligo;
alpha-MSH;
MC1R
- MeSH:
alpha-MSH;
Biopsy;
Epidermis*;
Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect;
Humans;
Keratinocytes;
Melanocytes;
Pigmentation;
Pro-Opiomelanocortin;
Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1*;
Skin;
Skin Diseases;
Vitiligo*
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2003;41(6):690-695
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a skin disease that is characterized by the loss of cutaneous pigmentation. alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a neuroimmunomodulating peptide derived from proopiomelanocortin, and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a surface receptor which is expressed by several other cutaneous cells including melanocyte and keratinocyte. Both of them have been known to be the main physiologic regulator for integumental pigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression pattern of alpha-MSH and MC1R in the epidermis of vitiligo patients. METHODS: Specimens were obtained in lesional, perilesional and non-lesional skin in 10 patients with vitiligo and from 3 normal persons by the punch biopsy. And then, indirect immunofluorescence was done to show the pattern of expression of alpha-MSH and MC1R. RESULTS: Pattern of expression between alpha-MSH and MC1R was nearly the same. In vitiligo patients with stable disease state (7 of 10), the expression of alpha-MSH and MC1R in the non-lesional skin was more prominent than that in lesional area. In vitiligo patients with active disease state (3 of 10), the expression of alpha-MSH and MC1R in the lesional skin was more prominent than that in non-lesional area. CONCLUSION: Between the stable and active vitiligo patients, there was a different pattern of expression of alpha-MSH and MC1R in the lesional skin.
