TLDR Alopecia areata is influenced by genetics and immune system factors, and better understanding could improve treatments.
Several rodent models, particularly the C3H/HeJ mouse and DEBR rat, were used to study alopecia areata (AA), an inflammatory hair loss disease with suspected autoimmune elements. Research methods included flow cytometry, microarray characterization, cell manipulation, lymph node cell transfer, and transgenic knockout mice. Findings indicated that AA development relied on genetic susceptibility, with major and minor genes influencing disease severity, and epigenetic factors affecting onset and persistence. AA in rodents was primarily Th1 cell mediated, involving breakdown of hair follicle immune privilege, antigen presentation, autoreactive lymphocytes, and regulatory cell deficiencies. Rodent models helped evaluate current AA treatments and develop new therapies, suggesting that further understanding could lead to improved interventions.
114 citations,
August 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Alopecia areata is caused by an immune response, and targeting immune cells might help treat it.
77 citations,
June 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” CD44 variant changes start alopecia areata, but don't maintain it.
30 citations,
December 2001 in “Experimental dermatology” Gonadal hormones significantly affect the severity of alopecia areata in mice.
131 citations,
November 1998 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Skin grafts on mice can cause an immune response leading to hair loss, useful for studying human hair loss conditions.
71 citations,
January 1998 in “Pathobiology” The document concludes that certain rats and mice are useful for studying hair loss in humans and testing treatments.
89 citations,
October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Alopecia areata is likely caused by a combination of genetic factors and immune system dysfunction, and may represent different diseases with various causes.
178 citations,
June 1994 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Alopecia areata in these mice is inherited, more common in young females, and can be treated with triamcinolone acetonide.
82 citations,
March 2016 in “Autoimmunity reviews” Animal models have helped understand hair loss from alopecia areata and find new treatments.
45 citations,
April 2019 in “International Immunology” The study concluded that immune cells attacking hair follicles cause hair loss in alopecia, with genetics and environment also playing a role, and highlighted the potential of certain treatments.
81 citations,
July 2011 in “Lasers in Medical Science” The Lexington LaserComb helped regrow hair in mice with a condition similar to human hair loss.
23 citations,
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease affecting hair follicles, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, with rodent models being essential for research.
131 citations,
November 1998 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Skin grafts on mice can cause an immune response leading to hair loss, useful for studying human hair loss conditions.
