Repigmentation in vitiligo universalis: role of melanocyte density, disease duration, and melanocytic reservoir.
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.
Dogra
Sunil
S
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Kumar
Bhushan
B
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*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D003907:Dexamethasone; D003520:Cyclophosphamide