Differing Responses of Human Follicular and Nonfollicular Scalp Cells in an In Vitro Wound Healing Assay: Effects of Estrogen on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Secretion

The study investigated the effects of estrogen on different scalp cell types in wound healing, focusing on follicular dermal papilla (DP), dermal sheath (DS), and interfollicular dermal fibroblasts (DF). All cell types expressed estrogen receptors, but in varying amounts. In a scratch-wound assay, only DF cell migration was enhanced by estradiol. Mechanical wounding increased DNA synthesis and collagen secretion in DF and DS cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion increased in wounded DF and DS cells, but not in DP cells unless estradiol was present. Estradiol decreased VEGF secretion in wounded DS cells. These findings highlighted the distinct responses of these cell types to estradiol, suggesting potential implications for improving wound healing and managing chronic wounds and scarring.