PIGMENT DEPOSITS IN THE IRIS
The colour-signs in the iris, showing the deposition of pigments, are divided according to shape and colour. With regard to these conspicuous signs, there are three groups of pigments to be considered:
The endogenous pigments are important for iridology. To these endogenous pigments belong those of the haemoglobin group with the end-product haemosiderin (colour: red to brown), the melanin group (colour: brown to black), and lipofuscin, also referred to as the ‘wear and tear’ pigment (colour: light yellow to dark brown).
The melanin group of pigments have their origin in special dendron cells, melanocytes (also described as melanodendrocytes). These cells derive from the embryonic neural crest. The melanin originates in the melanocytes by means of complicated enzymatic processes. A first stage of melanin is the colourless amino-acid Tyrosine. This compound is transformed by the action of Tyrosinase through dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) into melanin.
Melanin formation is also subject to hormone control. The pituitary gland secretes a melanocytotrophic hormone (MTH, also called melanocyte-stimulating hormone: MSH), which has a stimulating effect, while the adrenal hormones from the cortex and medulla appear to check the pigmentation process. From these different influences affecting the formation of pigment, it can be accepted that disturbances may give rise to a wide variation of manifestations within the total organism.
Melanin tends to migrate within the body. Because of its poor solubility as such, melanin is taken up by the cells of the reticuloendothelial system, the melanophores, by a process of phagocytosis, and conveyed to wherever it supposedly serves some purpose. Melanin is found in the vicinity of inflammatory processes, and also with skin conditions accompanied by inflammation. Pigment migration also arises in the vicinity of tumors and within many tumorous conditions, e.g., melanosarcoma. One is also reminded of ulcerations of the lower leg, where melanin deposits occur over large areas.
It should also be mentioned here that melanin is found within the body as a normal constituent of the hair, skin and the posterior surface of the iris. It accumulates in the skin as a protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, where the melanin protects the skin from the carcinogenic effects of these rays.
If melanin deposits are found on the anterior surface of the iris, then there is a positive indication of the existence of serious metabolic disturbances. Indeed, according to the accompanying signs in the iris, one may speak of a pre-cancerous condition of the corresponding organs or systems which can ultimately lead to a cancerous state.
The iron-containing pigment: haemosiderin (haemofuscin) is a reddish colour to begin with, and may then change towards dark brown (the colour change of a piece of rusting iron!). On the destruction of large quantities of red blood corpuscles, this pigment becomes deposited within the tissues of the body. It can also appear in the iris following internal or concealed haemorrhage. In my opinion it is not a sign for haemorrhagic tendencies, but only the sign of a large destruction of red blood corpuscles in which the iron is deposited in the tissues.
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