Scholfield at bchm.unp.ac.za
Fri Mar 18 04:44:24 EST 1994
We were wondering just exactly how tattoos work. Unlike a protein dye that
comes off when the skin sloughs off, a tattoo is guaranteed for 99 years!
We figure it must be a protein dye of sorts, but which cells/structures does
it dye, do any cells die, and how come cell division doesn't make the tattoo
get bigger and bigger, or dilute out? If the skin is a fluid organ, how can
a tattoo stay static for decades??? Is the basement membrane involved?
What dyes (other than amido black) are commonly used and what do they
contain? If the process kills/fixes cells, why aren't they replaced or
removed by phagocytes?
We realise that this is quite a hectic question, but any contributions that
will allow us to put sleepless nights behind us will be much appreciated.
Niccy and Linda.
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