An animal model for the study of azidothymidine-induced hyperpigmentation

Mice fed azidothymidine demonstrated dramatic hyperpigmentation of their tails. Histologic examination demonstrated large quantities of melanin pigment throughout the entire epidermal layer. Control mice had scant melanin pigment localized to the basal layer. Our findings demonstrate that the mouse is a useful model for the investigation of drug-induced hyperpigmentation.