Introduction

The Vertebrate Pigmentary System: From pigment cells to Disorders provides readers with fundamental knowledge of the structural and functional aspects of vertebrate pigment cells - melanophores and melanocytes - from their origin to different stages of development to related diseases. Chapters of the book explain the specific regulatory receptors and markers, signaling pathways of skin melanocytes along with the diseases (hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation) in humans associated with their disruption. Concurrently, the etiologies of pigmentary disorders and the various therapeutic approaches for their treatment are presented in focused chapters of the book with updated information from recent publications. A summary of natural product based treatment for hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rounds up the contents.

This reference is a basic guide for medical students and dermatology residents, and a handy source of information for students, researchers, academicians in the field of pigment cell biology, pharmacology and cosmetology.