Animal and In Vitro Models for the Study of Hair Follicles

The document reviewed various in vitro and in vivo models used to study hair follicles, emphasizing their role in understanding the complex biological mechanisms and hormonal control of hair growth. It highlighted the differences in human hair growth compared to other mammals, particularly in response to androgens. Animal models like Wistar rats, C57BL/6 mice, and androgen-sensitive animals such as hamsters were used, though each had limitations. The research underscored the importance of dermal papilla cells and conditioned media in studying mesenchyme-epithelial interactions and androgen action. These models were crucial for investigating hair disorders and developing potential treatments, with a focus on synthesizing information from different models to enhance understanding of hair follicle function in health and disease.