Melanocytes week 14
Melanocytes begin to make pigment
DOPA-positive melanocytes are present in non-Caucasian epidermis but are few in number. Melanocytes appear about two weeks later in Caucasian epidermis. Initiation of melanocyte function proceeds in a cephalocaudal direction.
DOPA-positive melanocyte
The DOPA reaction signifies the presence of the complete metabolic pathway to melanin synthesis. This reaction occurs in the signature structural granule of the melanocyte.
