Ferrous ferric chloride stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of cultured Keratinocytes and Melanocytes in the epidermis of neonatal mouse skin

Ferrous ferric chloride (FFC) is a special aqueous iron which is a complex of ferrous chloride and ferric chloride and has a function in both oxidation and reduction. FFC is thought to stimulate the cellular function of living organisms. Although FFC is reported to stimulate the function of red blood cells, it has not been determined whether FFC stimulates the function of skin cells. To understand the role of FFC in the function of skin cells, we studied its effects on the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and melanoblasts or melanocytes. FFC was added to a serum-free culture of neonatal mouse epidermal cells and its effects on the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and melanoblasts or melanocytes were investigated. FFC stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and melanoblasts or melanocytes. The proliferation of keratinocytes and that of melanoblasts or melanocytes was stimulated to the same extent (a twofold increase), suggesting that the proliferation of the two types of cells constituting the epidermis may be equally stimulated by FFC. These results suggest that FFC may activate skin function by promoting cell renewal via the stimulation of the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and melanoblasts; or melanocytes.