Minoxidil and Male-Pattern Alopecia: A Potential Role for a Local Regulator of Sebum Secretion with Vasoconstrictive Effects?

In 1999, Kurbel et al. proposed a theory about the role of minoxidil, a common treatment for male-pattern alopecia. They suggested that minoxidil might counteract a vasoconstrictive mediator of hair loss, possibly Endothelin-1 (ET-1), which could be secreted by the sebaceous gland, a part of the hair follicle influenced by sex hormones. They theorized that testosterone could increase ET-1 secretion in men during puberty, potentially affecting nearby blood vessels, reducing hair growth, and promoting hair loss. The study concluded that if ET-1 does play this role, then an ET-1 antagonist, such as bosentane, might also promote hair growth. However, this was a theoretical study and did not involve any human or animal subjects.