Induction of Hair Growth by Skin Irritants and Its Relation to Skin Protein Kinase C Isoforms
Studysummary This study found that anthralin and sodium dodecyl sulfate accelerated hair growth in mice, potentially involving different skin protein kinase C isoform responses. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study evaluated the induction of hair growth by skin irritants and its relation to skin protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in BALB/c mice. Anthralin and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) were applied to the shaved backs of 40 mice, with visible hair growth observed on the treated skin but not on the control sides. Anthralin-treated skin showed significant hair growth by 17-20 days, while SDS-treated skin showed enhancement at about 3 weeks. Western blot analysis revealed changes in PKC isoforms: PKC alpha was initially downregulated and then elevated, PKC beta decreased and then reverted to control levels, and PKC delta was elevated after initial stability. The results suggested that PKC alpha might enhance hair growth, while PKC delta might inhibit it to maintain balance.
