Minoxidil Upregulates the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

Minoxidil increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human hair dermal papilla cells, which may promote hair growth during the anagen phase of the hair cycle. The increase in VEGF mRNA expression was dose-dependent, with DPC stimulated with 24 µmol/L minoxidil expressing six times more VEGF mRNA than controls. This suggests that minoxidil may play a role in the development of dermal papilla and treating androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil may promote hair growth by inducing the formation of new blood vessels and stimulating VEGF production in hair follicles.