An Efficient Method for Eccrine Gland Isolation from Human Scalp
April 2018
in “
Experimental Dermatology
”
TLDR Scientists developed a way to isolate sweat glands from the scalp during hair transplants, keeping them alive for 6 days for research and cosmetic uses.
In 2018, Dr. Francisco Jimenez and colleagues developed a method for isolating eccrine sweat glands from human scalp follicular unit grafts, which are obtained during hair transplantation. The process uses vital dyes like Methylene Blue or Neutral Red to stain and visualize the eccrine glands for microdissection. The study demonstrated that these dyes effectively highlight the glands, which can be isolated using strip harvesting or FUE techniques, and the glands remained viable for up to 6 days in culture. This method allows for the study of eccrine gland function and has potential cosmetic industry applications, while still preserving the hair follicle grafts for transplantation. The number of participants in the study was not mentioned.
