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Melanocytes and iris color. Light microscopic findings
C L Wilkerson1, N A Syed, M R Fisher
1Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Iris color differences are not due to the number or density of stromal melanocytes. This study found no significant variations in melanocyte counts across different iris colors, suggesting other factors influence eye color.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Iris color varies widely among individuals.
- The specific morphological factors determining iris color are not fully understood.
- Melanocytes in the iris stroma are thought to play a role in pigmentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of iris stromal melanocytes in determining iris color.
- To compare melanocyte morphology and density across different human iris colors.
- To identify key cellular differences contributing to visible iris color variations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 51 human irides using paraffin-embedded sections.
- Immunohistochemical staining with S100a and fluorescein isothiocyanate.
- Quantification and comparison of melanocyte number, proportion, and density in blue, hazel, and brown irides.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in mean total cellularity or mean melanocyte number were found among blue, hazel, and brown irides.
- The average human iris stroma consists of 65.9% melanocytes.
- Melanocyte density per square millimeter did not correlate with iris color.
Conclusions:
- The number, proportion, and density of iris stromal melanocytes are not the primary determinants of human iris color.
- Iris color variation is likely influenced by factors other than the quantity of stromal melanocytes.