Immunohistochemical Localization of Types 1 and 2 5α-Reductase in Human Scalp

September 1999 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Ellen K. Bayne, J. Flanagan, Monica Einstein, Julia M. Ayala, Benedict Chang, B. Azzolina, David Whiting, Richard A. Mumford, Diane Thiboutot, Irwin Singer, G. Harris

5α-reductase type 1 5α-reductase type 2 5α-reductase androgenetic alopecia sebaceous glands hair follicles outer root sheath infundibular region finasteride 5αR1 5αR2 male pattern hair loss Propecia

TLDR The study found that two enzymes linked to hair loss are located in different parts of the scalp, supporting a common treatment's effectiveness.

The 1999 study investigated the distribution of 5α-reductase isozymes in the human scalp, with a focus on their role in androgenetic alopecia. It found that type 1 5α-reductase (5αR1) is predominantly located in sebaceous glands, while type 2 5α-reductase (5αR2) is localized within hair follicles, specifically in the inner layer of the outer root sheath and the infundibular region. The presence of 5αR2 in hair follicles supports the effectiveness of finasteride, a 5αR2 inhibitor, in treating male pattern hair loss by acting locally at the follicular level. The study did not specify the number of participants but focused on the cellular and molecular localization of these enzymes.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

Inhibition of Hair Growth by Testosterone in the Presence of Dermal Papilla Cells from the Frontal Bald Scalp of the Postpubertal Stumptailed Macaque

research Inhibition of Hair Growth by Testosterone in the Presence of Dermal Papilla Cells from the Frontal Bald Scalp of the Postpubertal Stumptailed Macaque

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1040 citations , October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.

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in Finasteride/Dutasteride 25 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.

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in General 532 upvotes 4 months ago

A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

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A 19-year-old with rapid hair loss since 16 is considering a hair transplant but refuses to take finasteride or any 5α-Reductase inhibitors. They are currently using minoxidil, tretinoin, and microneedling with a Derminator 2, and only want hair until age 27.

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High sugar diets may worsen hair loss by increasing 5α-reductase activity and androgen levels, especially in women with PCOS. A low sugar diet might reduce scalp DHT levels, similar to finasteride, but genetics also significantly influence hair loss.

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1 / 1 results

research Immunohistochemical Localization of Types 1 and 2 5α-Reductase in Human Scalp

100 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The study found that two enzymes linked to hair loss are located in different parts of the scalp, supporting a common treatment's effectiveness.