Three-dimensional microvasculature of the hair follicle

The three-dimensional microvasculature of the hair follicle of the adult Wistar rat was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. The anagen hair follicle was surrounded by the basket-like capillary network which was supplied by the branches of the subcutaneous artery and drained into the veins continuous with the subcutaneous vein. The capillary network surrounding the anagen hair follicle was most dense at its bottom, and became sparse at its upper part. The telogen hair follicle was surrounded by only a few capillaries. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the capillaries around the hair bulb possessed fenestrations. Our results indicate that the microvasculature of the anagen hair follicle is so organised as to supply the hair bulb with abundant blood, which is the most important area for hair growth.