Involvement of the Central Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Hair Growth and Melanogenesis Among Different Mouse Strains

October 2018 in “ PLoS ONE ”

Qian Wang, Huali Wu, Jia Zhou, Siran Pei, Jing Li, Yuanyuan Cai, Jing Shang

TLDR Stress can slow hair growth and affect skin color by impacting the body's stress response system.

The study investigated the impact of chronic restraint stress on hair follicle function and melanogenesis in different mouse strains, focusing on the central hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Mice strains C57BL/6, CBA/J, and BALB/c were selected for detailed analysis due to significant behavioral changes under stress. The research found that stress inhibited the expression of POMC, CRF, and GR mRNA and protein, as well as serum corticosterone levels, suggesting that stress may hinder hair growth and melanogenesis by affecting the HPA axis. Among the strains, C57BL/6 was identified as the most sensitive to stress, making it a suitable model for studying the interaction between the nervous system and skin function, and for testing dermatological treatments related to stress. The findings provided insights into the communication between the nervous and skin systems and the management of stress-related skin conditions.

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research Alopecia Areata: Hyperactivity of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Is a Myth?

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High stress can disrupt hair growth, but certain supplements might help.

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Chronic stress can reduce skin pigmentation.

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research Hair Follicle Pigmentation: Mechanisms and Factors Influencing Melanin Production

450 citations , January 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Hair color is determined by melanin produced and transferred in hair follicles.

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108 citations , July 2004 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Stress increases a factor in mice that leads to hair loss, and blocking this factor may prevent it.

Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

194 citations , March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology”

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161 citations , June 1994 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

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