Date of Award
4-1973
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
Abstract
In the epidermis of PET/Wmr mice the population of melanocytes reaches a peak and begins to decline during the first postnatal week, and has disappeared within four weeks. During this period a small number of weakly DOPA reactive miniature melanocytes are seen dispersed among the generally large, highly DOPA reactive melanocytes typical of the animal. These miniature melanocytes appear early, are among the last to disappear, and their population remains relatively constant against the drastically changing population of typical melanocytes. In attempts to determine the nature of the miniature melanocytes, heterologous grafting was employed whereby the melanocytes were subjected to morphogenetic impacts. The evidence suggests that these miniature melanocytes are relatively resistant to transformation into typical melanocytes, and may constitute a distinct cell type.
Recommended Citation
Earnhardt, John Thomas, "The nature of miniature melanocytes in murine epidermis" (1973). Master's Theses. 472.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/472