The Expression And Interaction Of Hereditary Factors Producing Hypotrichosis In The Mouse: Histology And Experimental Results

The study investigates hereditary factors causing hypotrichosis in mice, focusing on the rhino and hairless phenotypes. It identifies hyperkeratosis and follicle neck wall changes as initial abnormalities in rhino mice, leading to hair loss due to a widened hair canal and lack of support for the hair. Hyperplastic tendencies result in hair canal cysts, skin wrinkling, and epidermal thickening. Hairless mice exhibit similar but milder symptoms, and hybrids show intermediate characteristics. The presence of the Naked factor intensifies these traits. Transplantation experiments suggest rhino skin requires a substance from normal skin for maintaining normal epithelium, which is not found in the bloodstream. Attempts to link the rhino mutation with vitamin A metabolism were inconclusive.