Editing Fluorescence (section)

==== Epidermal chromatophores ====
Pigment cells that exhibit fluorescence are called fluorescent chromatophores, and function somatically similar to regular [[chromatophore]]s. These cells are dendritic, and contain pigments called fluorosomes. These pigments contain fluorescent proteins which are activated by K+ (potassium) ions, and it is their movement, aggregation, and dispersion within the fluorescent chromatophore that cause directed fluorescence patterning.<ref name="wucherer" /><ref>
{{cite journal
 | pmid = 11041206
 | year = 2000
 | last1 = Fujii
 | first1 = R
 | title = The regulation of motile activity in fish chromatophores
 | journal = Pigment Cell Research
 | volume = 13
 | issue = 5
 | pages = 300–19
 | doi=10.1034/j.1600-0749.2000.130502.x
}}</ref> Fluorescent cells are innervated the same as other chromatophores, like melanophores, pigment cells that contain [[melanin]]. Short term fluorescent patterning and signaling is controlled by the nervous system.<ref name="wucherer" /> Fluorescent chromatophores can be found in the skin (e.g. in fish) just below the epidermis, amongst other chromatophores.

Epidermal fluorescent cells in fish also respond to hormonal stimuli by the α–MSH and MCH hormones much the same as melanophores. This suggests that fluorescent cells may have color changes throughout the day that coincide with their [[circadian rhythm]].<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1093/icb/13.3.885| title = Endocrine Regulation of Pigmentation in Fish| journal = Integrative and Comparative Biology| volume = 13| issue = 3| pages = 885–894| year = 1973| last1 = Abbott | first1 = F. S. | doi-access = free}}</ref> Fish may also be sensitive to [[cortisol]] induced [[stress response]]s to environmental stimuli, such as interaction with a predator or engaging in a mating ritual.<ref name="wucherer" />