The Expression of the alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (alpha-MSH) and Melanocortin-1 Receptor (MC1R) in the Epidermis of the Vitiligo

Background : Vitiligo is a skin disease that is characterized by the loss of cutaneous pigmentation. -Melanocyte stimulating hormone (-MSH) is a neuroimmunomodulating peptide derived from proopiomelanocortin, and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a surface receptor which is expressed by several other cutaneous cells including melanocyte and keratinocyte. Both of them have been known to be the main physiologic regulator for integumental pigmentation. Objective : To evaluate the expression pattern of -MSH and MC1R in the epidermis of vitiligo patients. Methods : Specimens were obtained in lesional, perilesional and non-lesional skin in 10 patients with vitiligo and from 3 normal persons by the punch biopsy. And then, indirect immunofluorescence was done to show the pattern of expression of -MSH and MC1R. Results : 1. Pattern of expression between -MSH and MC1R was nearly the same. 2. In vitiligo patients with stable disease state (7 of 10), the expression of -MSH and MC1R in the non-lesional skin was more prominent than that in lesional area. 3. In vitiligo patients with active disease state (3 of 10), the expression of -MSH and MC1R in the lesional skin was more prominent than that in non-lesional area. Conclusion : Between the stable and active vitiligo patients, there was a different pattern of expression of -MSH and MC1R in the lesional skin.