Changes in distribution pattern of cytoplasmic filaments in human melanocytes during ultraviolet-mediated melanin pigmentation. The role of the 100-Angstrom filaments in the elongation of melanocytic dendrites and in the movement and transfer of melanosomes.

Abstract

Human melanocytes characteristically contain 100-A filaments. These 100-A filaments shift from the perinuclear area to the center of the dendritic processes and are in close association with melanosomes during the different stages of UV-mediated melanin pigmentation. We suggest that these 100-A filaments in human melanocytes participate in the elongation of the dendrites and in the transfer of melanosomes.