Characterization of melanocytes in wool-bearing skin of Merino sheep

The distribution and character of melanocytes in the wool-bearing skin of Merino sheep of known genotypes were examined by light and electron microscopy. In black Merino sheep (ww, homozygous recessive), melanocytes were localized within three regions of the skin: epidermal-dermal border, outer root sheath and follicle bulb. Melanocytes within these regions were found to be actively producing melanin, had numerous dendritic extensions and were able to transfer melanin to adjacent keratinocytes. In a black Merino sheep whose fibres were white due to an experimentally induced copper deficiency the melanocytes were amelanotic. In contrast, for both WW (homozygous dominant) and Ww (heterozygous) white Merino sheep melanocytes were observed only at the epidermal-dermal border of the epidermis. The melanocytes appeared also to differ in character containing less melanin, appearing less dendritic in shape and having a reduced ability to transfer melanin to adjacent keratinocytes. The gene for white fleece (W), therefore, appears able to regulate pigmentation in Merino sheep, at least in part, by controlling the location and activity of melanocytes within the wool-bearing skin.