A Comparison of the Culture and Growth of Dermal Papilla Cells from Hair Follicles from Non-Balding and Balding (Androgenetic Alopecia) Scalp

This study compared the culture and growth of dermal papilla cells from hair follicles from non-balding and balding (androgenetic alopecia) scalp. The researchers found that dermal papilla cells from balding follicles were smaller and grew less well than non-balding ones. Supplementing the medium with human serum increased the yield of established cultures and the number and health of the dermal papilla cells produced. Balding dermal papilla cells can be cultured, though with much greater difficulty than non-balding ones, and exhibit differing growth characteristics to non-balding cells, they merit further investigation which may increase our understanding of, and ability to control, androgenetic alopecia.