The cell kinetics of anagen scalp hair bulbs taken by punch biopsies from healthy male volunteers (n = 50) were determined at defined bulbar hair segments using microdissection and DNA flow cytometry. The highest proliferative activity (S phase) was measured within the lower most bulbar segment (14.0%) but decreased to the Auber’s segment (7.6%) and to the isthmus segment (5.9%). The results support histoautora-diographic data demonstrating most of the proliferative activity in the hair bulb below the Auber’s level [1]. Furthermore, cell kinetic data of dissected anagen hair bulbs segmented at Auber’s level from an androgen-sensitive scalp area were studied in male pattern baldness (n = 15, Hamilton IV) and hirsutism (n = 13). The results revealed a significant increase of S phase cells in male pattern baldness (8.9%) compared to healthy males (n = 10, 7.9%) as well as in hirsutism (10.2%) compared to healthy females (n = 10, 7.5%). In hirsutism the percentages of S phase cells ran parallel to the plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate whereas no correlation to testosterone could be proved. Similar, 6 hypothyroid and 6 hyperthyroid patients were studied. In hyperthyroidism an increase of S phase values (10.3%) was found, while it decreased in hypothyroidism (6.1%). A correlation between the height of S phase and plasma triiodothyronine level was noted. Our studies demonstrate that DNA flow cytometry is a suitable method for the evaluation of physiological or hormonal influences on cell cycle kinetics of human anagen hair bulbs in vivo.

Keywords:
Anagen hair, Proliferation, DNA flow cytometry, Baldness, male pattern, Hirsutism, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel
1994
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.