Use of ultraviolet light to induce melanogenesis in the epidermis of the rhesus monkey: an ultrastructural and biochemical study
The general body epidermis of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) contains no discernible melanocytes, but after repeated ultraviolet irradiation DOPA-positive melanocytes appear and increase numerically up to 30 exposures. With continued irradiation, however, the number again declines. Experiments to determine how melanogenic activity, assayed by the incorporation of labeled DOPA or tyrosine, is related to DOPA positivity indicated that biochemical activity corresponded to the histochemical pattern. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that after the exposure to ultraviolet light, a pool of indeterminate cells in the skin of rhesus monkeys developed into melanocytes. The melanosomes formed by these cells, however, differed from the eumelanin melanosomes described in other species; they had no internal filamentous matrix with periodicity but appeared similar to phaeomelanin melanosomes. Long term ultraviolet light irradiation may damage keratinocytes and render them incapable of phagocytizing melanosomes.
- Research Organization:
- Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton
- OSTI ID:
- 7240271
- Journal Information:
- Anat. Rec.; (United States), Journal Name: Anat. Rec.; (United States) Vol. 184:4; ISSN ANREA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
IRRADIATION
MACACUS
MAMMALS
MELANIN
MONKEYS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PIGMENTS
PRIMATES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
SKIN
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
VERTEBRATES