review: Pathogenesis of vitiligo

ABSTRACT

Vitiligo is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by depigmentation of the skin secondary to the local destruction of melanocytes. In this review of the pathogenesis of vitiligo, information has been assimilated from clinical studies, histologic features, genetic studies, tissue culture experiments, animal models and therapeutic studies in an attempt to enhance our understanding of its pathogenesis. It is clear that there is no single hypothesis to unify all the observations. Postulated mechanisms of the neuro-chemical theory, self-destructive and immune theories seem to act cooperatively. The extent of the role played by each may vary from one patient to the other. It appears that most patients produce an anti-melanocyte antibody. However, a significant number of patients produce other autoantibodies and have ocular problems. There are very important lacunae in the present understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo. We anticipate that the new techniques of molecular biology will significantly enhance the understanding of this ancient disease