Ability of Transplanted Cultured Epithelium to Respond to Dermal Papillae

The study investigated whether cultured epithelium could form hair follicles when combined with dermal papillae. Researchers cultivated adult rat sole keratinocytes and created recombinants with fresh dermal papillae, which were then transplanted into syngeneic rats or athymic mice. Histological analysis showed that the transplanted cultured epithelium developed follicular structures and sebaceous gland-like structures, particularly when supported by the dermis. The conclusion was that cultured epithelium from adult rat sole keratinocytes could respond to growth signals from dermal papillae, indicating potential for hair follicle formation.