Use of 1-phenyl-3-(2-thiazolyl)-thiourea (PTU) or PTU analogs or mimetics to promote multiplication of human melanocytes in vitro or for cryoprotecting them

摘要

1-Phenyl-3-(2-thiazolyl)-thiourea (PTU) or PTU analogs or mimetics are used to promote multiplication of human melanocytes in vitroor for cryoprotecting them, where the PTU mimetics are vitamin C, arbutin, hydroquinone, kojic acid or its acid or ester derivatives, ellagic acid, aminophenol derivatives, procysteine and its derivatives, nicotinamide, isothiocyanate, thiocyanate and lucinol. Independent claims are also included for: (1) producing a culture or bank of human melanocytes by multiplying the melanocytes in the presence of PTU or a PTU analog or mimetic and optionally freezing them; (2) a kit for producing a culture or bank of human melanocytes from subjects of phototype IV, V or VI or from hyperpigmented lesions, comprising a melanocyte preparation and a culture medium containing 2-40 mu M of PTU; (3) producing reconstructed epidermis or skin of phototype IV, V or VI by preparing a support or dermis equivalent and inoculating the support with keratinocytes and with human melanocytes from subjects of phototype IV, V or VI, where the melanocytes have been preamplified in the presence of PTU or a PTU analog or mimetic as mentioned; (4) a kit for producing reconstructed epidermis or skin of phototype IV, V or VI, comprising a dermis or dermal equivalent support, keratinocytes and human melanocytes from subjects of phototype IV, V or VI, where the melanocytes have been preamplified in the presence of 2-40 mu M PTU; (5) screening for or evaluation of agents capable of modulating skin pigmentation by applying an agent to human melanocyte cultures or reconstructed epidermis or skin produced as mentioned. ACTIVITY : Vulnerary; Dermatological. MECHANISM OF ACTION : Cell therapy.