ON THE MOVEMENT OF PIGMENT GRANULES IN FROG MELANOCYTES1

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Abstract
MSH, caffeine and some physical factors induced dispersion of melanin granules in the melanocytes of the frog, Rana pipiens. Melatonin, noradrenaline and hydrocortisone reversed dispersion produced by many agents. Acetylcholine reversed only the dispersion caused by MSH. In sucrose solution containing normal amounts of calcium and potassium, caffeine was inhibited in part; MSH, melatonin, noradrenaline and hydrocortisone were inhibited conpletely. Caffeine could utilize lithium ions for the dispersion process, and melatonin and noradrenaline reversed this dispersion. It is suggested that melanin granule movement is produced by cytoplasmic streaming associated with ionic exchange between intra-and extracellular media and that substances affecting melanin dispersion, directly or indirectly produced a change in the specific ionic permeability of the cell membrane.

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