Distribution of Type XII and XIV Collagens in Bovine Dermis and Hair Follicles

The study investigated the distribution of type XII and XIV collagens in bovine skin using monoclonal antibodies. In fetal bovine skin, type XII collagen was found in the upper dermis, while type XIV was in the lower dermis. In adult bovine skin, type XII collagen was enriched in the papillary dermis, especially beneath the dermal-epidermal junction, but type XIV was not detected. Both collagens were present around the connective tissue sheath in hair follicles but absent in the dermal papilla. The findings suggested that these collagens might have played a crucial role in maintaining hair follicle structure.