Abstract: Objective To observe the surface structure of amelanotic melanocytes (AMMCs) from human hair follicles by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Methods Normal human scalp with hair follicles was incubated with dispase II. Individual hair follicles were isolated, then digested with pancre-atin/EDTA, and hair follicle cells were suspended and cultured in medium 254 supplemented with human melanocyte growth supplement. The cells of third passage were seeded in six-well plates, in which sheets of mica had been placed prior to the seeding. After adhered to the mica, the cells were fixed, then scanned and observed under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature by AFM in contact and tapping mode. Results Most cultured AMMCs from human hair follicles appeared fusiform with two dendrites, and rarely with three dendrites. The perikarya of AMMCs were round, oval or triangular. The dendrites had no clear secondary branches, while some had projections on the lateral sides. Filopodias were seen on the top of primary dendrites. Conclusion AMMCs from the human hair follicles are morphologically immature, might not take part in transferring melanosomes into keratinocytes, but they possess filopodias, the foundation for melanosome movement.

Key words: Hair follicle, Melanocytes, Microscopy, atomic force