Patterns of Expression of Trichocytic and Epithelial Cytokeratins in Mammalian Tissues: Human and Bovine Hair Follicles

The study examined the expression patterns of trichocytic and epithelial cytokeratins in human and bovine hair follicles. Researchers identified eight major cytokeratin polypeptides specific to hair-forming cells, distinct from epithelial cytokeratins, and two new minor trichocytic cytokeratins. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, they found that trichocytic cytokeratins were intensely expressed in cells forming the hair shaft, medulla, and cuticle, while epithelial cytokeratins were present in the inner and outer root sheath epithelia and some trichocyte column cells. The study highlighted the complexity of hair follicle cell types and the varied expression patterns of cytoskeletal proteins, contributing to understanding hair follicle development and growth.