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Hair growth-modulation by adrenergic drugs
E M Peters1, M Maurer, V A Botchkarev
1Department of Dermatology, Charité, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.
Experimental Dermatology
|August 10, 1999
Summary
Sympathetic nerves influence hair growth. Depleting noradrenaline or using neurotoxins prematurely induced hair growth (anagen) in mouse skin, suggesting a therapeutic target for hair loss.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adrenergic nerves and beta 2-adrenoreceptor (beta 2-AR) expression in hair follicles (HF) vary with the hair cycle.
- This suggests a potential role for adrenergic nerves in regulating HF cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of neuro-pharmacological manipulations on hair growth induction in mouse skin.
- To explore the concept that adrenergic nerves may exert trophic functions during HF cycling.
Main Methods:
- In vivo study using C57BL/6 mice in the telogen phase of the hair cycle.
- Subcutaneous injections of guanethidine (noradrenaline-depleting agent) or 6-hydroxydopamine (neurotoxin).
- Assessment of hair growth induction (anagen) via macroscopic observation and histology.
Main Results:
- Guanethidine and 6-hydroxydopamine treatments induced premature anagen in mouse skin.
- Over 80% of guanethidine-treated and 65% of 6-hydroxydopamine-treated mice showed hair growth.
- Histology confirmed mature anagen VI hair follicles at treatment sites, unlike untreated controls.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic nerves are involved in controlling hair growth.
- Neuro-pharmacological manipulation of piloneural interactions may offer novel therapeutic strategies for hair growth disorders.