The purpose of this study was to investigate the protein expression pattern and the
in vivo trichogenicity of dermal papilla-like tissues (DPLTs) made from
canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in athymic nude mice. Canine ASCs
were isolated and cultured from adipose tissue, and differentiation was induced by
culturing ASCs in dermal papilla forming media. DPLTs were embedded in collagen gel, and
their structural characteristics and protein expression were evaluated by hematoxylin and
eosin stain and immunohistochemistry. Athymic nude mice were divided into two groups
(control and DPLTs groups), and DPLTs were injected in skin wounds of mice in the DPLTs
group. The trichogenicity of DPLTs was assessed by gross and histological evaluations for
30 days. The fate and the growth factor-secretion effect of DPLTs were evaluated by
immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. DPLTs have a compact aggregated structure, form
extracellular matrix and highly express the protein specific for dermal papillae,
including ALP and versican. New hair follicle formation was remarkable in nude mice of the
DPLTs group in gross findings and H&E stain. Vascularization was increased in the
DPLTs group, which was the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor secreted by DPLTs
in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that
engineered canine DPLTs have characteristics of dermal papillae and have a positive effect
on hair regeneration by secreting growth factors.