The histological, histochemical, and immunocytochemical analysis of vitiligo has clearly defined the cellular profile of amelanotic epidermis. Of significance is the confirmation that melanocytes are absent from the lesions. In addition, it is clear that melanocyte and keratinocyte damage can occur at the margin of a vitiligo lesion, as well as within the normally pig- mented skin. However, remaining unresolved are the cellular and molecu- lar mechanisms underlying the removal of the vitiligo melanocytes from various areas of the patient's body. Recently, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating programmed cell death and immuno- cytochemical markers available to assess this process, has expanded tremendously. Critical information regarding the selective melanocyte destruction/removal may be forthcoming from investigations of apoptosis in vitiligo.
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SEUNG-KYUNG H A N N A N D JAMES J . N O R D L U N D