Autofluorescent granules in cells of human dermis

Summary The results of a continued investigation on dermal autofluorescent pigment cells are presented. Previously obtained histochemical data were suggestive of a lipo-pigment component of the fluorescent cytoplasmic granules. Spectrophotofluorometric results obtained in the present study seem to confirm this supposition. Electron microscopic observations on the cells and especially their granules show certain similarites between the fluorescent dermal pigment and lipofuscin and/or lysosomal structures. It cannot be excluded that some type of melanin is present in the granules. The findings are discussed in the light of modern views on melanins and lipo-pigments. Possible functions of the cells as well as their relation to epidermal and dermal elements are considered.This investigation has been supported by grants from the Swedish Government (Reser-vationsanslaget), Stiftelsen Therese och Johan Anderssons Minne, Svenska Sällskapet for medicinsk forskning and the Wallenberg Foundation.