TLDR Oestrogen and thyrotropin-releasing hormone affect prolactin and its receptor in human skin and hair, suggesting new treatment options for related conditions.
The study from 2010 explored the effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and oestrogen on prolactin (PRL) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) expression in female human skin and hair follicles in vitro. It was found that oestrogen significantly increased PRL and PRLR at the gene and protein levels in skin and hair follicle compartments, while TRH raised PRL levels but decreased PRLR protein expression and increased PRLR mRNA in hair follicles. The research, which used skin samples from two healthy women aged 42 and 54, suggests that oestrogen and TRH could potentially be used to treat skin and hair diseases involving abnormal PRLR signaling. This was the first evidence that these hormones, known for their role in the pituitary gland, also affect prolactin expression in human skin, indicating a new possible therapeutic approach for conditions with altered prolactin signaling.
36 citations,
November 2009 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Prolactin may affect hair growth differently based on gender and scalp area.
72 citations,
October 2009 in “The FASEB journal” TRH stimulates human hair growth and extends the hair growth phase.
98 citations,
December 2008 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Prolactin affects hair growth and skin conditions, and could be a target for new skin disease treatments.
128 citations,
March 2006 in “American Journal of Pathology” Prolactin contributes to hair loss by promoting hair follicle shrinkage and cell death.
293 citations,
November 2005 in “Trends in Immunology” Stress can worsen skin conditions and stop hair growth by affecting the body's stress response system.
155 citations,
December 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Thyroid-related genes are active in skin cells and may affect autoimmune conditions.
41 citations,
September 1991 in “Medical hypotheses” Prolactin may be important for skin growth and immune function.
January 2022 in “Journal of St. Marianna University” Substances from human hair cells can affect hair loss-related genes, potentially leading to new treatments for baldness.
15 citations,
April 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology” Scientists developed a system to study human hair growth using skin cells, which could help understand hair development and improve skin substitutes for medical use.
321 citations,
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January 2003 in “Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery” Dermal papilla cells can help form hair follicles and produce hair.
66 citations,
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57 citations,
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