Hairloss Study Abstract: Potassium channel openers stimulate DNA synthesis in mouse epidermal keratinocyte and whole hair follicle cultures.

Title: Potassium channel openers stimulate DNA synthesis in mouse epidermal keratinocyte and whole hair follicle cultures.
Title Abbreviation: Skin Pharmacol		Date of Pub: 1993
Author: Harmon CS; Lutz D; Ducote J;
Issue/Part/Supplement: 3	Volume Issue: 6		Pagination: 170-8
MESH Headings: Animal; Benzopyrans (PD); Cells, Cultured; Diazoxide (PD); DNA (BI); Guanidines (PD); Hair* (DE/ME); Keratinocytes (DE/ME); Kinetics; Mice; Minoxidil (PD); Potassium Channels (DE/*PH); Pyrroles (PD); Vibrissae (PH); -RN-;
Journal Title Code: AOA	Publication Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Date of Entry: 940204N	Entry Month: 9404
Country: SWITZERLAND	Index Priority: 2
Language: Eng	Unique Identifier: 94099973
Unique Identifier: 94099973	ISSN: 1011-0283
Abstract: We have conducted studies using primary mouse epidermal keratinocyte and whole hair follicle cultures to investigate the mechanism of the hypertrichotic activity of potassium channel openers. In a time course study, the extent of stimulation of epidermal keratinocyte DNA synthesis by minoxidil increased as the rate of DNA synthesis in control cultures declined. Minoxidil stimulation of DNA synthesis in 7-day cultures required prolonged (> 1 day) exposure to the agent. Pinacidil and diazoxide also stimulated DNA synthesis in mouse epidermal keratinocyte cultures. In addition, minoxidil, pinacidil, diazoxide, and cromakalim stimulated DNA synthesis in whole-organ cultures of mouse hair follicles. These results suggest that potassium channel openers retard the loss of proliferative activity of differentiating keratinocytes and support the hypothesis that these agents stimulate hair growth through a direct effect on hair follicles.
Abstract By: Author
Address: Roche Dermatologics, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, NJ 07110.