Methods for enhancing melanin synthesis in melanocytes using diacyglycerols and uses thereof
AssigneeTrustees of Boston University
InventorsBarbara A. Gilchrest, Philip R. Gordon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for enhancing melanin synthesis in melanocytes, thereby increasing the melanin content of melanocytes with subsequent transfer of the melanic pigments to keratinocytes resulting in increased pigmentation of vertebrate skin and hair; melanocytes with increased melanin content produced by these methods; and uses thereof are disclosed.
Claims17
A method of increasing pigmentation of vertebrate skin by increasing the melanin content of melanocytes present in vertebrate skin comprising topically applying to the skin of the vertebrate, or subcutaneously administering to the vertebrate, an effective amount of a diacylglycerol wherein the diacylglycerol comprises a hydroxyl in the three position and two carboxylic acid esters in the one and two positions, said carboxylic acid esters having from one to twenty four carbon atoms, and which enhances melanin synthesis in the melanocytes.
A method of increasing pigmentation of acquired or congenital white patches of skin of a vertebrate comprising the implantation of skin grafts on the patches, the skin grafts comprising melanocytes activated by contact with an effective amount of a diacylglycerol which wherein the diacylglycerol comprises a hydroxyl in the three position and two carboxylic acid esters in the one and two positions, said carboxylic acid esters having from one to twenty-four carbon atoms, and enhances melanin synthesis in the melanocytes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.