FIGURE 6.

Melanocores in the process of engulfment by keratinocytes in reconstructed human pigmented epidermis. Examples of melanocyte dendrites (Mel) are observed between keratinocytes (Ker) in reconstructed human pigmented epidermis (RHPE). In addition to melanocores in the extracellular space in (a)i. and (b), melanocores can be observed that have recently been engulfed by the adjacent keratinocytes [(a)ii and right panel of (b)]. Arrowheads indicate the membrane encasing the melanocore that is derived from the plasma membranes of the keratinocytes. Scale bar, 1 μm