Epithelial Cells in the Hair Follicle Bulge Do Not Contribute to Epidermal Regeneration After Glucocorticoid-Induced Cutaneous Atrophy

The study concluded that epithelial cells in the hair follicle bulge did not significantly contribute to epidermal regeneration after glucocorticoid-induced skin atrophy. Instead, more than 80% of proliferating keratinocytes were located in the interfollicular epidermis (IFE), indicating that IFE stem cells were the primary source for epidermal regeneration. Bulge keratinocytes were more sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of glucocorticoids, retaining glucocorticoid receptors in the nucleus and thus not playing a major role in epidermal repair. The study highlighted the distinct roles of epidermal and follicular epithelial stem cells in skin homeostasis and regeneration.