Melanophores or melanocytes, originated from the neural crest cells, contain
melanosomes which are membrane-bound vesicles. Melanosomes are filled with dark
coloured pigment called melanin, which has a crucial function in the biological color
adaptation of vertebrates. Melanophore control via melanosome trafficking with
microfilaments produce a variety of striking color pattern. Melanosome relaxation and
contraction during pigment transfer is similar to the relaxation and contraction of
smooth muscle cells. Studies have revealed that melanophores of all vertebrates
including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals are functionally modified smooth
muscle cells. The present chapter highlights the experimental based studies that have
shown the comparison of melanophores with smooth muscle cells.
Keywords: Melanophores, Melanosomes, Microfilaments, Smooth muscles,
Trafficking.
