Acute Stress-Induced Changes in Follicular Dermal Papilla Cells and Mobilization of Mast Cells: Implications for Hair Growth

The study explored the impact of acute stress on hair growth using a rat model and found that stress significantly reduced the viability of dermal papilla cells and arrested their cell cycle. Stress increased cortisol levels, activated mast cells, and elevated inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β, all of which contributed to inhibited hair growth. The findings suggested that the substance P-mast cell pathway played a significant role in this process, despite the suppressive effects of glucocorticoids on mast cells. The study highlighted the potential of stress-reducing strategies in treating alopecia and called for further research into stress-related factors affecting hair growth.