DEPIGMENTATION OF SKIN WITH 4-ISOPROPYLCATECHOL MERCAPTOAMINES AND OTHER COMPOUNDS

[摘要] Thirty-three compounds including thiols, mercaptoamines, catechol, derivatives of catechol, and several quinones were screened to ascertain their deplgmenting potency and irritant effect on skin. These compounds, in concentrations from 1%-10%, were applied toplcally to the epllated skin of the back and the unepllated skin of the ear of black guinea plgs; 4-isopropylcatechol (4-IPC) was the most potent deplgmenting agent, and deplgmentation occurred only in the treated areas. When used in low concentrations (1% to 3%), 4-IPC did not irritate the skin. Evidence obtained by light and electron microscopy indicated that 4-IPC caused a marked reduction in the population of the melanocytes in the epldermis. The few remaining melanocytes were rendered degenerative, and those found on electron microscopy had only a few melanized melanosomes. Cutaneous deplgmentation by 4-IPC appears to result from a selective action on melanocytes; they are either destroyed or inactivated.