Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

This study from 21 years ago aimed to understand the mechanism by which minoxidil induces hair growth. The researchers found that adenosine, a signaling molecule, plays a role in the process and that the sulfonylurea receptor 2B (SUR2B) may be a target of minoxidil. The study also showed that DPCs have multiple adenosine-dependent signaling pathways and that SUR2B is present in DPCs, providing a possible binding site for minoxidil and a mediator for adenosine production. The researchers proposed a signaling pathway linking minoxidil-induced VEGF upregulation to adenosine, and adenosine receptors mediate the increase in [Ca²+]i levels and VEGF production in cultured DPC. The study suggests that the adenosine/VEGF pathway in cultured DPC might play an important role in hair growth.