Autofluorescent granules in cells of human dermis

Summary Cells with autofluorescent granules are common in the dermal connective tissue of human skin. The cytoplasmic granules appear to be of lipo-pigment nature. The cells show phagocytic properties and it can therefore not be excluded that the cytoplasmic granular structures are ingested material. There are certain similarities between the observed dermal autofluorescent cells (DAF-cells) and chromatophores (melanophages) of the dermis. Convincing histochemical evidence has not been obtained for the presence of catecholamines in these fluorescent cells, which has been suggested.This investigation has been supported by grants from the Swedish Government (Reservationsanslaget), Stiftelsen Therese och Johan Anderssons Minne, the U.S. Public Health Service (Grant No. C4716) and the School of Aerospace Medicine A.F.S.C. through the European Office, Aerospace Research U.S.A.F.