[Effects of bFGF and alpha-MSH on adhesion and migration of human melanocytes in vitro].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) on adhesion and migration of melanocytes in vitro.

METHODS

Human melanocytes were obtained from normal human foreskins. Culture dishes covered with fibronectin were used to perform melanocytes adhesion assay, and cell motility was assessed using the Transwell micropore filter method.

RESULT: bFGF and alpha-MSH increased melanocytes adhesion on culture dishes covered with fibronectin. bFGF stimulated melanocytes migration through micropore filter while alpha-MSH had no significant effects.

CONCLUSION

bFGF and alpha-MSH could promote the adhesion and migration of melanocytes, which suggests that two agents may play a role in the repigmentation of vitiligo.