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Depigmentation of black guinea pig skin by topical application of cysteaminylphenol, cysteinylphenol, and related compounds

Journal Article · · J. Invest. Dermatol.; (United States)

Phenol and catechol were combined with sulfur to develop new melanocytotoxic agents. Among these synthetic compounds, 4-S-cysteaminylphenol (4-S-CAP) and 4-S-cysteinylphenol (4-S-CP), which showed an in vivo antimelanoma effect, were evaluated for cytotoxicity to normal epidermal melanocytes using hydroquinone (HQ) as the control. Topical application of 4-S-CAP on the skin of black guinea pigs revealed a marked depigmentation of black skin. 4-S-Cysteinylphenol also showed some depigmenting potency. 2-S-Cysteinylhydroquinone, which was made by combining cystine with HQ, on the other hand, did not show any depigmenting effect. Depigmentation of black skin by 4-S-CAP appeared to derive from: a decrease in the number of functioning melanocytes; a decrease in the number of melanosomes synthesized within the melanocytes and transferred to keratinocytes; and destruction of the membranous organelles of the melanocytes. None of these degenerative changes was observed in the keratinocytes, indicating the selective effect of 4-S-CAP on melanocytes.

Research Organization:
Sapporo Medical College, Japan
OSTI ID:
6775368
Journal Information:
J. Invest. Dermatol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Invest. Dermatol.; (United States) Vol. 1; ISSN JIDEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English