Effect of Minoxidil Sulfate and Pinacidil on Single Potassium Channel Current in Cultured Human Outer Root Sheath Cells and Dermal Papilla Cells

The study investigated the effects of minoxidil sulfate and pinacidil, both potassium (K) channel openers, on single K channel currents in cultured human outer root sheath cells and dermal papilla cells from hair follicles. Using patch clamp techniques and 86Rb efflux studies, researchers found that these compounds did not activate the large and small conductance Ca2+-activated K channels present in these cells, nor did they increase 86Rb efflux. The findings suggested that the hair growth-promoting effects of minoxidil sulfate and pinacidil might be mediated by mechanisms other than direct activation of K channel currents, such as increased blood flow.