In this study, rat vibrissa follicles transplanted into mice demonstrated survival, partial sympathetic nerve reinnervation, and increased norepinephrine levels 37 days post-implantation, suggesting potential for hair growth despite not returning to normal nerve function.
April 2018 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” This study found that external light can rapidly activate hair follicle stem cells in animals via a retinal light-sensing pathway linked to the central and autonomic nervous systems.
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January 2020 in “Nature” Stress can cause hair to turn gray by depleting stem cells.
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August 2021 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” This review discusses recent advancements in understanding how the sympathetic nervous system and norepinephrine regulate hair follicle growth, highlighting innovative studies that explore their effects on hair follicle stem cells.
December 2025 in “Frontiers in Immunology” This review highlights that disturbances in neuroimmune communication, particularly between sympathetic nerves and macrophages, may contribute to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, and suggests potential therapeutic avenues by restoring this communication in preclinical and early clinical studies.