Inhibitory Effects of Cholesterol on Cell Division in Mouse Skin: Physicochemical and Biological Aspects (The Problem of Male Pattern Baldness)
January 1976
in “
International Journal of Environmental Studies
”
TLDR Cholesterol may slow cell division and contribute to male pattern baldness.
The study conducted in 1975 demonstrated that applying a mixture of cholesterol and a detergent similar to Tween 60 to mouse skin significantly reduced the mitotic activity of epidermal cells, as indicated by a P-value of less than 0.001. This reduction in cell division led to a decrease in the number of daughter cells. Additionally, electron microscopy and in vitro experiments revealed that an excess of cholesterol on the surface membrane increased its viscosity and rigidity. These findings suggested a potential link between cholesterol's effects on cell division and male pattern baldness.