Serum Prolactin and Dehydroepiandrosterone Concentrations During the Summer and Winter Hair Growth Cycles of Mink (Mustela Vison)
November 1998
in “
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology
”
TLDR Changes in prolactin and DHEA levels are not required for the start of mink hair growth cycles.
The study investigated the role of serum prolactin (PRL) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the hair growth cycles of mink. It was found that increasing PRL levels in spring initiated summer anagen, while decreasing PRL levels in fall induced winter anagen. Treatment with haloperidol (HAL) advanced summer anagen onset, while melatonin (MEL) inhibited it. The study suggested that PRL might influence hair growth through the adrenal glands and skin, with DHEA serving as a substrate for local steroid formation. The findings highlighted the potential intracrine regulation of hair growth cycles in mink.
