title: Melanocytes: morphological basis for an exteroceptive sensory system for monitoring ultraviolet radiation.
abstract: From the conventional medical perspective, melanocytes have been traditionally viewed as epidermal responders/reactors to ultraviolet radiation. In this paper we have begun an analysis of the functional significance of melanocytes as monitors for ultraviolet radiation with their neuronal, endocrinological and immunological intercalations. This preliminary study was performed using as a human model unilateral sural nerve sensory blockade before and after ultraviolet exposure to both feet while the unblocked foot acted as the control. Full thickness surgical skin biopsies were taken of (I), normal pre-exposure skin, in the center of the two centimeter exposure area of both the sural nerve blocked area (II-III) and control (IV-V) one centimeter outside the exposed area in both the sural nerve blocked foot and the control or non-blocked foot. The objective clinical, blinded morphological and immuno-histochemical data from this experiment support the initial conclusion that neuronal connection is necessary for the normal ultraviolet exposure dermal reaction. Based upon this study, we further propose the existence of an exteroceptive sensory system in which melanocytes, with direct nervous system connection initiate an ultraviolet radiation reactive response that mobilizes both conventional endocrine and immune pathways.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biologic Research, 6560 Fannin, Suite 720, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Arthur Dale
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Ericsson
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dora
authors.forename: Shinian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cao
mesh_terms: D048430:Cell Shape / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins