TLDR Mouse epidermal growth factor temporarily stops wool growth and causes cell changes in Merino sheep.
The study investigated the effects of mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) on wool follicles of Merino sheep, focusing on its potential for biological wool harvesting. Three main follicular responses to mEGF were identified: (i) a catagenic regression lasting 4 days, characterized by reduced cellular proliferation and protein synthesis, leading to tapered fibre ends and eventual follicle regeneration; (ii) formation of disruptive lesions in the inner root sheath and fibre cells, involving abnormal fluid transport; and (iii) transient hyperplasia of sebaceous glands with glycogen deposition, normalizing by 4-6 days. These responses indicated mEGF's dual action: a quasi-physiological inhibition of fibre growth and a pathological effect on cell differentiation.
36 citations
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June 1988 in “Australian Journal of Biological Sciences” Mouse epidermal growth factor injections in sheep affected wool growth and skin, but saline did not.
84 citations
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February 1981 in “Journal of Endocrinology” Epidermal growth factor slows hair and body growth in mice.
56 citations
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January 1970 in “Cell and Tissue Research” 119 citations
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November 1969 in “Journal of Ultrastructure Research” Macrophages help break down collagen around hair follicles during hair growth.
90 citations
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October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Growth factors are crucial for hair development and could help treat hair diseases.
98 citations
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November 1999 in “Dermatology Online Journal” IGF-1 can boost hair growth by promoting cell growth and preventing cell death.
159 citations
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July 2006 in “Endocrine Reviews” Estrogens significantly influence hair growth by interacting with receptors in hair follicles and may help regulate the hair growth cycle.
117 citations
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November 2006 in “Experimental Dermatology” The article concludes that the wool follicle is a valuable model for studying tissue interactions and has potential for genetic improvements in wool production.
14 citations
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June 2022 in “BMC genomics” Key genes crucial for sheep hair follicle development were identified, aiding fine wool breeding and human hair loss research.
