The Modulation of Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells by Dexamethasone: A Novel Mechanism for Selective Action of Estrogen via Estrogen Receptor Beta?

May 2006 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

M. Julie Thornton, Louisa D. Nelson, Anthony H. Taylor, M.P. Birch, Ian Laing, Andrew G. Messenger

TLDR Dexamethasone may influence hair growth by altering estrogen receptor activity in hair cells.

The study examined the impact of dexamethasone on estrogen receptor and aromatase expression in cultured human dermal papilla cells from hair follicles. Dexamethasone significantly reduced estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) mRNA levels to 38% of the control, while estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) mRNA levels remained unchanged, and it increased aromatase mRNA expression approximately 9-fold. These results suggested a glucocorticoid-dependent mechanism that could promote selective action of estradiol via ERβ, potentially affecting hair growth regulation. The study used primary cultures from 10 non-balding scalp and beard dermal papilla cells, highlighting the role of glucocorticoids in hair follicle biology and suggesting implications for understanding hair growth and loss.

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