Green autofluorescence in human epidermal cells

A characteristic and natural autofluorescence that appears brilliant green in frozen sections of untreated skin when viewed under the fluorescent microscope is demonstrated. Study with various barrier filters and exciter filters indicates that the optimum absorption for visualization of this is 300 to 330 nm, and the optimum fluorescence is between 500 and 530 nm under the conditions used. Clinical study of skin from 52 patients including black, white, Puerto Rican, and Chinese indicates a relationship between skin color and intensity of autofluorescence. In addition, the cellular localization of autofluorescence corresponds to sites of melanin. Cells in the basal layer are involved most conspicuously and nuclei are spared.