Objective
To assay drugs that modify pigmentation (ie, agents that either enhance or decrease pigmentation) in a predictive in vitro model, as such drugs have been previously studied in vivo on human and animal skin.
Design
An epidermis was reconstructed with human keratinocytes and melanocytes. Epidermal reconstructs with melanocytes were made according to a variant of the model of Pruniéras and colleagues. Reagents that alter melanogenesis such as isobutyl methylxanthine, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol, kojic acid, and mequinol were introduced in the culture medium or used topically after 8 days of culture at the air-liquid interface.
Main Outcome Measures
Macroscopic, colorimetric, histological (Fontana-Masson stain and dopa reaction), and biochemical studies were performed.
Results
The effect of pigment modifiers was demonstrated ex vivo as expected from in vivo data on skin color, numbers of melanocytes, melanosome transfer, and melanin content.
Conclusion
These results will permit other investigators to use this model to assess the efficacy of novel molecules that alter pigmentation.
Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:331-336
