Melanogenesis is the production of melanin, a group of pigments found in melanophores. Its major function known to date is photoprotection from ultraviolet radiation. However, it is also shown to be involved in several other biological activities among which are the transplantation and wound healing processes. This study was designed to determine the effects of melanogenesis on the processes of skin transplantation and wound healing. Visual observations and photometric measurements were used to measure the changes. It was discovered that an increase in melanophores in the area of the wound reduced its healing time in Triturus viridescens viridescens (Rafinesque) the experimental organism used in this investigation. Also, a high density of melanophores reduced the time for autoplastic transplants to achieve normality and delayed the dedifferentiation process in homoplastic transplants.
