Cyclosporin Inhibits the Apoptosis and Affects the mRNA Expressions of Selected Growth Factors in Cultured Mouse Hair Follicles

The study investigated the effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) on hair growth using a mouse vibrissae organ culture model. Results showed that CsA at a concentration of 10^-7 mol/L significantly increased hair shaft elongation and decreased catagen formation, indicating enhanced hair growth. CsA also stimulated the expression of the Ki67 antigen and reduced apoptosis in hair follicle cells. Additionally, CsA treatment led to higher mRNA levels of growth factors HGF, VEGF, and NGF, while reducing follistatin mRNA levels. These findings suggested that CsA promoted hair growth by stimulating cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, with changes in specific growth factor expressions contributing to its effects.