Functional significance of vertebrate lntegumental pigmentation

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Pigment cells and their synthesized products play an important functional role in the skin of most all vertebrates, from cyclostomes to man Both dermal and epidermal pigment cells function in physiological and morphological color changes and provide the cellular basis for vertebrate pigment patterns and differences in racial coloration Epidermal melanization is of particular importance in homeotherms in the regulation of seasonal pelage and feather color changes In addition, melanin pigmenta tion may have a photoprotective function, influence vitamin D synthesis in the skin protect or influence neivous system function, affect heat absorption and consenition, play an intracellular homeostatic role in the skin and (by leucocytic transport) elsewhere in the bodv and provide a structural element to the integument A consideration of the comparative evolution of the vertebrate lntegumental pigmental) system may be necessary for a pioper interpretation of the supposed roles ot melanin and other lntegumental pigments. © 1972 by the American Society of Zoologists.