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A tool to study Rhododenol (Rhododendrol) induced leucoderma (Vitiligo-like lesions)

  • Rhododendrol (Rhododenol, RD) created a big problem in Japan, when 14000 induced cases of vitiligo-like lesions were reported.
  • It is known that Rhododenol is cytotoxic against melanocytes in a Tyrosinase-dependent way.

 

 

The authors suggest a new mouse model for the study of this effect:

  • hk14-scf/HRM Tg Mice become albino (fully depigmented) through suppression of melanin synthesis through tyrosinase activity
    • with application of 30%RD 3 times per day on the back:
      • depigmentation was visible on day 14
      • Melan A decreased on day 7
    • After stopping the application of RD:
      • Electron Microscopy shows autophagosomes in mouse melanocyte after 4 days.
      • Repigmentation is visible 49 days with recovery of basal melanocytes

 

 

Note

When applying RD50%, no mean change in the number of melanocytes (per high power filed under the microscope) was seen compared with untreated controls (this could suggest that high concentrations are more toxic than control albino mice showed no change at 30% or 50% concentration (this suggests that RD activity is specific to melanocytes, more specific to the synthesis of melanin)

 

 

Source of information: p13-18 Abe Y. et al. A mouse model of leukoderma induced by Rhododendrol (Rhododenol). JSID Annual Meeting (Japanese Society of Investigative Dermatology, 日本研究皮膚科学会) 2014 – Osaka, Japan

Original article: HERE