Human Hair Follicles Contain Two Forms of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels, Only One Sensitive to Minoxidil

February 2008 in “ The FASEB Journal ”

Katie Shorter, Nilofer Farjo, Steven M. Picksley, Valerie A. Randall

ATP-sensitive potassium channels minoxidil hair follicles KATP channel blockers tolbutamide hair growth therapies topical formulation Rogaine

TLDR One minoxidil-sensitive potassium channel exists in human hair follicles.

This document discusses a study that found human hair follicles contain two forms of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, but only one of them is sensitive to minoxidil, a drug used to treat hair loss. The study suggests that understanding the specific forms of these channels present in hair follicles could lead to the development of more effective hair growth therapies. The study also found that KATP channel blockers, such as tolbutamide, may be able to be harnessed to reduce hair growth, ideally in a topical formulation.

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research Human Hair Follicles Contain Two Forms of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels, Only One Sensitive to Minoxidil

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