Demonstration of carbohydrates in premelanosomes by ultrastructural cytochemistry.

The framework for melanin synthesis in the interior of the premelanosomes - the matrix - was subjected to ultrastructural cytochemical examination in cells of the retinal pigment epithelium of chick embryos, in melanocytes of rat skin, and in melanocytes and nevus cells of human skin. The positive results obtained using the silver methods of Thiéry and Rambourg indicated the presence of carbohydrates in the matrix of the premelanosomes.