The Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata in Rodent Models

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.