Ultrastructural and x-ray microanalytical observations of minocycline-related hyperpigmentation of the skin.
In order to elucidate the nature and distribution of the pigment responsible for the circumscribed blue-black cutaneous hyperpigmentation occurring after administration of minocycline hydrochloride, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive electron x-ray microanalysis were performed on lesional skin. Ultrastructural observations demonstrated electron-dense iron-containing particles either incorporated into a variety of siderosomes, within dermal histiocytes, free within the cytoplasm, or, rarely, scattered among dermal collagen fibers. Electron x-ray microanalysis confirmed iron content present within these particles. Although siderosomal inclusions contained occasional melanosome complexes, the degree of deposition of electron-dense iron-containing particles in dermal histiocytes seemed to be primarily responsible for the blue-black discoloration of the skin. The present study is an investigation of the structure and composition of the pigment responsible for minocycline-related cutaneous hyperpigmentation.
D000293:Adolescent; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008911:Minocycline / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013754:Tetracyclines; D007501:Iron; D008911:Minocycline