Effect of Biotin Deficiency on Follicular Melanocytes of Mice

Abstract

Summary

Both yellow (A^y) and black (C57BL) mice produce grey hairs when weaned to a diet known to cause biotin deficiency. Histologically, the greyed hair follicles of biotin deficient mice bear a striking resemblance to the hair follicles of albino mice. The depigmented melanocytes of biotin deficient mice are similar in morphology to the follicular clear cells of the albino. Unlike clear cells, however, depigmented melanocytes react positively to tests for the presence of dopa oxidase.