Effects of epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, minoxidil and hydrocortisone on growth kinetics in human hair bulb papilla cells and root sheath fibroblasts cultured in vitro

Abstract

Comparative studies on growth kinetics of cultivated human hair bulb papilla cells (PCs) and hair root sheath fibroblasts (RSFs) yielded evidence of some peculiarities of PCs in both proliferative behavior and morphological growth pattern. As the dermal papilla, essentially supporting the nutrition of matrix epithelium, can be considered a target tissue for agents influencing maintenance of hair growth, we studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), minoxidil (Mino), and hydrocortisone (HC) on the proliferation of PCs and RSFs, both gained from dissected hair follicles of scalp biopsy specimens of two male adults and separately cultured in vitro. EGF and FGF proved to increase proliferation of both PCs and RSFs most, yet at a different intensity for each cell group. HC slowed proliferation, and Mino failed to influence growth of PCs and RSFs.

Epidermal Growth Factor Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Follicular Outer Root Sheath Cells via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

“…In the present study, EGF treatment or overexpression of EGF accelerated the proliferation of the ORS cells. The mitogenic effect of EGF on the cultured ORS cells is consistent with previous studies [7,23]. In addition, EGF also promoted the migration of ORS cells.…”

Microneedling With Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Microneedling With Topical 5% Minoxidil in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia- A Comparative Study

“…Growth factors are known to activate the proliferative phase and transdifferentiation of hair and stem cells and produce new follicular units; bFGF is reported to promote the in vitro proliferation of papilla cells, and thereby plays a key role in elongating hair shaft. 13 Mechanisms of hair re-growth induced by Microneedling include Release of platelet derived growth factor, epidermal growth factors are increased through platelet activation and skin wound regeneration mechanism; activation of stem cells in the hair bulge area under wound healing conditions which is caused by a Dermaroller; overexpression of hair growth related genes vascular endothelial growth factor, B catenin, Wnt3a, and Wnt10b . 9,14 In our study, Microneedling is a safe and promising tool in hair stimulation.…”

The Effect of Drugs on Hair

“…Minoxidil sulphate may be an active metabolite following oral administration (JOHNSON et al 1982); skin demonstrates sulphatase and sulphotransferase activity, but this aspect has yet to be explored. Minoxidil has no effect on human hair bulb papilla cells and hair root sheath-fibroblasts in culture (KATSUOKA et al 1987). Topical minoxidil appears to be a safe therapy with only local side effects of irritation and low incidence of contact dermatitis (ToSTI et al 1985) receiving much attention.…”

“…Receptors for EGF have been demonstrated on basal cells of the hair shaft and the outer root sheath (GREEN and COUCHMAN 1985) which has led to speculation that EGF might be a chemical messenger between the dermal papilla and the hair matrix. EGF increased proliferation ofhuman hair bulb papilla cells and hair root sheath fibroblasts in culture (KATSUOKA et al 1987). Infusion of EGF to castrated sheep stimulated mitotic activity in the basal cells of the epidermis and sebaceous glands (MOORE et al 1984), but inhibited growth of wool follicles (HOLLIS et al 1983), leading to shedding of the fleece.…”