TLDR Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease affecting hair follicles, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, with rodent models being essential for research.
The document from June 1, 2003, examines the pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata (AA) using rodent models, specifically C3H/HeJ mice and Dundee Experimental Bald Rats (DEBR), and suggests that AA is an autoimmune, cell-mediated disease that primarily affects anagen stage hair follicles. It highlights a disease cycle involving antigen exposure, lymphocyte activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and disruption of hair follicles, and acknowledges the role of genetic and environmental factors in disease susceptibility and progression. The research indicates that up to 20% of aged C3H/HeJ mice and 70% of DEBR develop AA, and while these models are crucial for understanding AA and developing treatments, they may not fully represent human cases. Potential treatments discussed include immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs, as well as targeted approaches like blocking antigen presentation or promoting lymphocyte tolerance. The document emphasizes the complexity of AA and the importance of rodent models in research, but does not provide specific data on the number of rodents used in the referenced studies.
30 citations,
December 2001 in “Experimental dermatology” Gonadal hormones significantly affect the severity of alopecia areata in mice.
41 citations,
February 2001 in “Current pharmaceutical design” Current and future treatments for alopecia areata focus on immunosuppression, immunomodulation, and protecting hair follicles.
131 citations,
November 1998 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Skin grafts on mice can cause an immune response leading to hair loss, useful for studying human hair loss conditions.
71 citations,
January 1998 in “Pathobiology” The document concludes that certain rats and mice are useful for studying hair loss in humans and testing treatments.
178 citations,
June 1994 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Alopecia areata in these mice is inherited, more common in young females, and can be treated with triamcinolone acetonide.
101 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.
54 citations,
March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata with few side effects.
122 citations,
November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” No single treatment is consistently effective for alopecia areata, and more research is needed.
3 citations,
June 2023 in “Frontiers in medicine” Oxidative stress may contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata and antioxidants could potentially help as a treatment.
April 2023 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” The study found that a key immune pathway protecting hair follicles is reduced in a mouse model of scarring hair loss.
134 citations,
July 2020 in “Experimental dermatology” Hair follicles are normally protected from the immune system, but when this protection fails, it can cause hair loss in alopecia areata.
No cure exists for alopecia areata; treatments aim to manage symptoms.
295 citations,
January 2006 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Alopecia areata, a common autoimmune hair loss condition, often runs in families.
185 citations,
August 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.
