Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factor and Minoxidil: Active Mechanisms in Hair Growth

The document discussed the potential role of the nitroxide free radical (NO), identified as endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), in vascular physiology and its implications for hair growth. It suggested that minoxidil, a known vasodilator, might act as an EDRF agonist, sharing similar mechanisms by activating guanylate cyclase. This activation was believed to account for their vasodilatory properties. The document proposed that EDRF might have a separate action on hair growth, which could explain the effects of minoxidil in promoting hair growth.