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A stain for plucked anagen hairs
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|August 1, 1979
Summary
Distinguishing between anagen and telogen hairs is challenging. A new stain using 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde helps identify anagen hairs by coloring their root ends red, aiding in telogen/anagen ratio determination.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Histochemistry
- Hair Biology
Background:
- Differentiating between anagen (growing phase) and telogen (resting phase) plucked hairs is often difficult using standard microscopy.
- Accurate assessment of the telogen/anagen ratio is crucial for diagnosing various hair loss conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and accurate histochemical method for distinguishing between anagen and telogen plucked hairs.
- To validate the use of 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde stain for determining the telogen/anagen ratio.
Main Methods:
- Plucked hair samples were stained with 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde.
- Microscopic examination was performed to observe the color reaction at the root ends of the hairs.
- The reaction was correlated with the hair's anagen or telogen status.
Main Results:
- The root ends of plucked anagen hairs exhibited a distinct red coloration after staining with 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde.
- Plucked telogen hairs did not show this red coloration.
- The red color is attributed to a reaction with citrulline-containing proteins in the internal root sheath of anagen hairs.
Conclusions:
- 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde is a reliable histochemical stain for differentiating anagen from telogen plucked hairs.
- This staining method offers a simple and accurate approach to determine the telogen/anagen ratio in clinical practice.
- The technique aids in the diagnostic evaluation of hair disorders characterized by altered hair cycling.