Evaluation of sebocyte effect on melanocyte proliferation and pigment formation

Evidence of melanogenic paracrine cytokine networks exists between cutaneous melanocytes and other types of skin cells. The regulatory roles of keratinocytes and fibroblasts on melanocyte proliferation and melanin formation have been shown and well characterized. These affect melanocyte biology not only via paracrine but also via endocrine mechanisms. However, the effect of other cutaneous cellular components, e.g. sebocytes on melanocytes, is not known and was not previously investigated. First, still unpublished, data shows that melanocytes are also present in the sebaceous glands in a pattern similar to the melanocytes inbetween the keratinocytes in the epidermis. Moreover, clinical evidence suggests that sebocytes may also have regulatory functions on melanocytes. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in acne vulgaris, the most common disease of sebocytes and of the human beings, often occurs and is of a major concern in people of color. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of sebocytes on melanocyte proliferation and melanin formation.