Further Immunocytochemical Characterization of Cultured Hair Apparatus Cells

The study conducted by Noriko Tanigaki-Obana and colleagues at the Hair Care Research Laboratory, Sunstar Inc., focused on the immunocytochemical characterization of cultured hair apparatus cells using anti-hair keratin monoclonal antibodies. Initially, on day 1, a significant portion of the cells stained positively with various antibodies, indicating a mix of immature and differentiated cells. By day 3, the majority of cells showed no reaction, suggesting a predominance of immature cells. However, by day 6, most cells stained positively again, indicating a resurgence of differentiated cells, which was maintained until day 13. Electron microscopy supported these findings, showing a cycle of cell differentiation and degeneration. The study concluded that immature cells in the culture system proliferated and differentiated into various hair apparatus cell types, including outer root sheath cells.