TLDR Melatonin and cortisol affect mink winter hair growth, but β-endorphin levels do not.
The study investigated the role of plasma β-endorphin and ACTH in the initiation of winter hair growth (anagen) in mink. Treatments with melatonin (MEL) or bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) induced early anagen, but plasma β-endorphin levels did not change during natural anagen onset. ADX increased β-endorphin levels, but supplementation with cortisol (CORT) delayed anagen. MEL-induced anagen was not mediated by β-endorphin/ACTH, and CORT inhibited anagen through direct skin effects. The study suggested that local production of ACTH and β-endorphin in the skin might be necessary for anagen induction. Further research was planned to explore MEL binding sites and POMC expression in mink skin.
18 citations
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November 1998 in “Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology” Changes in prolactin and DHEA levels are not required for the start of mink hair growth cycles.
16 citations
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April 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” ACTH promotes hair growth in mink, but α-MSH does not.
77 citations
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January 1993 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” Steroids stop hair growth temporarily but don't block the signals that start it.
146 citations
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January 2004 in “Hormones” Human skin acts like a hormone-producing organ, making and managing various hormones important for skin and hair health.
450 citations
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January 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color is determined by melanin produced and transferred in hair follicles.
14 citations
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December 2021 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Growth hormone levels affect hair growth and loss, with too much causing excess hair and too little leading to hair loss.
21 citations
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December 2023 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Hair graying is caused by damage and cell depletion but might be temporarily reversible with drugs and hormones.
4 citations
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August 2021 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” Stress can cause hair loss by affecting nerve-related hair growth, and noradrenaline might help prevent this.
