[Age-related characteristics of melanocytes in the hair follicles of the temporal region skin in men].

: Using morphometric and immunocytochemical methods, the distribution of melanin-containing cells in the hair follicles was studied using the autopsy samples of the skin obtained from the temporal region of scalp of 74 male individuals of different age (10-79 years). In all age groups, the melanocytes were identified only in the epithelial hair matrix - both in sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin and in sections treated with the monoclonal antibodies against tyrosinase. The examination of unstained sections demonstrated that after 15 years the reduction of a total area occupied by melanin granules in the cytoplasm of melanocytes and keratinocytes took place. After 26 years the irregular but stable decrease was found in the number of pigment-forming cells. The number of melanocytes identified using the monoclonal antibodies against tyrosinase, was greater then the number of pigment cell detected by routine methods.