Ability to Culture Dermal Papilla Cells from Red Deer Hair Follicles with Differing Hormonal Responses In Vivo Offers a New Model for Studying the Control of Hair Follicle Biology

The study demonstrated that dermal papilla cells from red deer hair follicles could be successfully cultured, providing a new model for studying hormonal regulation of hair growth. Red deer stags produce different hair types (mane and flank) under varying testosterone levels, making them ideal for examining androgen effects. The research found that cells derived during the breeding season grew faster than those from the nonbreeding season. This model could help understand the control of hair follicle biology, particularly the role of androgens.