Effects of Cytokines, Anti-Cancer Agents, and Cocarcinogen on DNA Synthesis in Hair Bulb Cells

The study examined the effects of cytokines, anti-cancer agents, and a cocarcinogen on DNA synthesis in human hair germinative cells cultured in serum-free media. It was found that epidermal growth factor and gamma interferon slightly inhibited DNA synthesis, while doxorubicin, cytosine arabinoside, and tetradecanoyl-phorbolacetate caused strong inhibition. Basic fibroblast growth factor had minimal impact on DNA synthesis. This organ culture model was considered useful for studying the effects of various substances on DNA synthesis in hair germinative cells and understanding the pathogenesis of alopecia diseases.