Repigmentation by outer-root-sheath-derived melanocytes: proof of concept in vitiligo and leucoderma.
BACKGROUND
Treatment of depigmented skin is an unmet medical need.


OBJECTIVE
Melanocytes or stem cells thereof residing in the outer root sheath (ORS) of hair follicles might be used to repigment skin.


METHODS
After de-epidermisation, autologous ORS cell solutions were applied to 5 patients with vitiligo and 1 with leucoderma.


RESULTS
Stable repigmentation in a variable percentage was documented in all the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Applying ORS-derived melanocytes is a promising technology to improve autologous melanocyte transplantation.
Vanscheidt
Wolfgang
W
Dermatologische Gemeinschaftspraxis, Freiburg, Germany.
Hunziker
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D012996:Solutions; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*
D012996:Solutions