Stem Cells in the Hair Follicle and Interfollicular Epidermis of Mice following Topical Application of Fluocinolone Acetonide

In the 2007 study by Chebotaev et al., the effects of the glucocorticoid fluocinolone acetonide (FA) on stem cells in the hair follicle bulge and interfollicular epidermis of mice were examined. The results showed that keratinocytes in both areas express the glucocorticoid receptor, with those in the bulge having 30 to 40% higher expression. After FA treatment, bulge keratinocytes were slower to develop glucocorticoid resistance compared to interfollicular keratinocytes and did not significantly contribute to epidermal repair following skin atrophy within the 5-day study period. Interfollicular keratinocytes, on the other hand, downregulated the receptor and proliferated in response to FA. The commentary by R.J. Morris highlighted the need for longer studies to fully understand the response of hair follicle bulge keratinocytes.