title: Repigmentation in vitiligo universalis: role of melanocyte density, disease duration, and melanocytic reservoir.
abstract: Recent reports suggest that vitiligo lesions are not totally devoid of melanocytes. We report an interesting observation made in the vitiliginous skin of an Indian patient being treated for pemphigus vulgaris with dexamethasone cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Our observations indicate that melanocytes are never completely absent in the depigmented epidermis and that these melanocytes can recover their functionality in vivo and in vitro under an appropriate stimulus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dogra
authors.forename: Bhushan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes; D008875:Middle Aged; D020551:Pulse Therapy, Drug; D012074:Remission Induction; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D003907:Dexamethasone; D003520:Cyclophosphamide