Histol Histopathol 2000 Oct 01;154:1145-50. doi: 10.14670/HH-15.1145.

Melanization stimulating factors in the integument of the Mugil cephalus and Dicertranchus labrax.

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The pigment pattern expression resides in the chromatoblasts of the embryonic skin. The differentiation of these chromatoblasts is influenced by specific local factors such a melanization inhibiting factor (MIF) and a melanization-stimulating factor (MSF). We reveal the presence of these factors by means of a series of experiments on the skin of the marine species of fish Dicertranchus labrax and Mugil cephalus, each with different pigment pattern, the former having a light skin and the latter a darker one. Media conditioned by exposure to dorsal and/or ventral skin, stimulates the melanization of Xenopus laevis neural crest cells throughout a 3 day assay period. Similarly conditioned culture media tested on B16-F10 murine malignant melanocytes, revealed a considerable influence in enzymatic activities: dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), tyrosine hydroxylase and dopa oxidase. The use of media in a dose response basis suggests that the conditioned media may contain both melanophore stimulating and inhibiting factors. The results obtained may actually reflect the resultant activity of the two factors present.

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Species referenced: Xenopus laevis
Genes referenced: f10