Dermal melanocytes and elastic fibers

The relationship between dermal melanocytes and elastic fibers was studied by electron microscopy. In 3 patients with dermal melanocytosis, the long cytoplasmic processes of the melanocytes were aligned along the long axis of the elastic fiber, and encircled or embraced these fibers. The same intimacy existed between melanocytes and elastic fibers in the skin of cynomolgus macaques, who normally have dermal melanocytes. These findings suggest that dermal melanocytes, for reasons yet to be determined, interact with elastic fibers under these special conditions.