Effect of Cyclosporin A on Melanogenesis in Cultured Human Melanocytes

Abstract

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressant. Reports on the effect of CsA on hyperpigmentation in patients appear inconsistent, and the effect of CsA on skin pigment cells (melanocytes) in vitro is unknown. We examined the effect of CsA on human melanocyte proliferation and melanogenesis in vitro. Melanocyte proliferation was dose-dependently inhibited by 0.1-10 lM CsA, with no effect on cell viability. Melanocytes incubated with 10 lM CsA for 6 days showed decreased pigmentation and tyrosinase activity. Western blot analysis using an anti-tyrosinase antibody revealed that CsA (0.1-10 lM) decreased tyrosinase protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Northern blot analysis showed similar effects on tyrosinase mRNA levels. These effects of CsA on melanogenesis in vitro are not consistent with suggestions that systemic CsA therapy causes patient skin hyperpigmentation.

Constituents from the Formosan apple reduce tyrosinase activity in human epidermal melanocytes

“…Western blot analyses to determine the extent of expression of tyrosinase and the TRPs were performed as described (Lee and Kang, 2003). Cells (10 6 /well; 6-well plate) were lysed with PBS containing 1% Triton X-100, 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), 1 mg/ml aprotinin, and 10 mg/ml leupeptin, and lysates were subjected to centrifugation at 12,000g for 10 min.…”

Bioactive constituents of Spatholobus suberectus in regulating tyrosinase-related proteins and mRNA in HEMn cells

“…Western blot analysis was performed as described previously (Lee and Kang, 2003) to determine the extent of expression of tyrosinase and the TRPs. Cells (1 · 10 6 ) were lysed with PBS containing 1% TritonX-100, 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), 1 mg/ml aprotinin, and 10 mg/ml leupeptin, and lysates were subjected to centrifugation at 12,000g for 10 min.…”

Tacrolimus and the Pigmentary System

“…is not yet known whether CsA exerts its effect through calcineurin/NFAT, tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate-induced protein kinase C pathways or other pathways [10] . Melanocytes express calcineurin A and B subunits as well as various cyclophilins and FK506-binding proteins, and in melanoma cells only (not in normal melanocytes) calcineurin enzymatic activity is inhibited by CsA.…”