The melanocyte and the epidermal melanin unit: an expanded concept.
There are many mechanisms by which melanocytes, keratinocytes, and Langerhans cells interact within the epidermis. Inflammatory mediators affect melanocyte function and melanogenic agents such as alpha-MSH alter the functions of keratinocytes and Langerhans cells. The epidermal melanin unit is better labeled the KLM unit.
Wright State School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA. jjnordlund@fuse.net
James J
JJ
Nordlund
D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D004817:Epidermis / Q000502:physiology*; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000502:physiology; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000502:physiology; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000502:physiology; D008543:Melanins / Q000502:physiology*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000502:physiology
D006728:Hormones; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D008543:Melanins; D000521:alpha-MSH