Related Experiment Videos
Cell degeneration in alopecia areata. An ultrastructural study
D J Tobin1, D A Fenton, M D Kendall
1Unit of Cell Biology, U.M.D.S., London, England.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Alopecia areata involves increased cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, and dark-cell transformation, primarily in lower hair follicles. This extensive cell degeneration indicates a pathological process in alopecia areata.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss.
- The precise cellular mechanisms driving hair follicle damage in alopecia areata require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology and prevalence of cell degeneration in hair follicles during acute alopecia areata.
- To differentiate pathological cell death patterns from normal hair follicle involution (catagen).
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine hair follicles from fifteen patients with untreated acute alopecia areata.
- Hair follicles from three healthy adults served as controls.
Main Results:
- Three forms of cell degeneration were observed: apoptosis, necrosis, and dark-cell transformation.
- Increased apoptosis, necrosis, and dark-cell formation were evident in alopecia areata follicles compared to controls.
- Cell degeneration affected not only keratinocytes but also melanocytes, Langerhans' cells, and dermal papilla cells.
- Degeneration in alopecia areata involved matrix cells, differing from the scattered outer root sheath cell apoptosis in normal catagen.
Conclusions:
- The observed extensive cell death in hair follicles of alopecia areata patients suggests a pathological process.
- Dark-cell transformation represents a distinct morphological pattern of cell degeneration in alopecia areata.
- Understanding these cellular mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted alopecia areata treatments.