Estrogen Receptor Evaluation in Pomeranian Dogs with Hair Cycle Arrest (Alopecia X) on Melatonin Supplementation

July 2006 in “ Veterinary dermatology ”

Linda A. Frank, Robert Donnell, Stephen A. Kania

estrogen receptors hair cycle arrest alopecia X melatonin hyperkeratosis follicular keratosis thin epidermis hair regrowth estrogen receptor-α estrogen receptor blockers hair loss skin thickening

Studysummary This study found that hair regrowth in Pomeranians with hair cycle arrest treated with melatonin was not associated with a change in oestrogen receptor-α staining. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated the role of estrogen receptors in Pomeranian dogs with hair cycle arrest (alopecia X) treated with melatonin. Fifteen dogs were included, and biopsies were taken before and after 3 months of treatment. Histopathological findings included hyperkeratosis, follicular keratosis, and thin epidermis. After treatment, 40% of the dogs showed mild to moderate hair regrowth, but this was not associated with changes in estrogen receptor-α staining. The study concluded that hair regrowth in these dogs was not linked to a decrease in follicular estrogen receptors, suggesting the need for further research with more potent estrogen receptor blockers to understand hair cycle regulation in dogs with alopecia X.

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Research cited in this study

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