Abstract: Objective To investigate the melanocyte lymphocyte reacion when the allogeneic lymphocytes are cultured with normal melanocytes. Methods ³H-thymidine was incorporated into the mixed culture and the transformation and proliferation rates of lymphocytes were detected by liquid scintillation counting and expressed as cpm. Electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of melanocytes after mixed culture. Results The Resultsof lymphocyte proliferation were expressed by the stimulation indexes. The stimulation indexes in active vitiligo group was significantly different from that in stable vitiligo group and normal controls. The stimulation indexes of the melanocyte stimulated group was significantly different from that of ConA stimulated group. In the mixed melanocyte lymphocyte reaction,the allogeneic lymphocytes had little effect on the melanocytes. The ultrastructure of the melanocytes in the mixed culture showed normal morphology and normal function of synthesis of melanin. Conclusion As a specific antigen in mixed melanocyte lymphocyte reaction,melanocyte has a weak effect on the lymphocytes. The melanocytes from stable stage vitiligo patients seem more suitble to be allografted.

Key words: Melanocytes, Lymphocytes, Culture