Characterization of dermal type I collagen of C3H mouse at different stages of the hair cycle

This study characterized fibrillar type I collagen in the dermis of C3H mice at anagen and telogen stages of the hair cycle. It found that newly synthesized collagen was about twice as abundant in anagen skin compared to telogen skin, while acid-soluble collagen levels were similar. Anagen skin showed higher lysine and slightly higher proline hydroxylation in type I collagen. Two major collagen cross-links were identified, with the complex tetravalent cross-link being significantly lower in anagen skin. Additionally, lysyl-aldehyde, a cross-link precursor, was more prevalent in anagen skin. These findings suggested that collagen remodeling was more active during anagen, potentially supporting hair follicle migration and growth.