Androgen Receptors Are Only Present in Mesenchyme-Derived Dermal Papilla Cells of Red Deer Neck Follicles When Raised Androgens Induce a Mane in the Breeding Season

The study investigated the presence of androgen receptors in red deer neck follicles and how they relate to the seasonal growth of a mane during the breeding season. It was found that androgen receptors are only present in the mesenchyme-derived dermal papilla cells of mane follicles during the breeding season when testosterone levels are high. Immunohistochemistry localized these receptors to the dermal papilla cells, and biochemical assays confirmed their high-affinity, low-capacity nature, as well as their specificity. The receptors were not detected in flank follicles during the breeding season or in neck follicles during the non-breeding season. This suggests that androgen receptors are necessary for the androgen response in hair follicles and are induced by seasonal hormonal changes, aligning with previous human studies.