Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue remodelling during the anagen-catagen transition of the human hair follicle

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 137; no. 1; pp. 31 - 38
• Main Authors: COMMO, S., BERNARD, B.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.1997; Blackwell
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - analysis; Cell Adhesion Molecules - analysis; Cell Adhesion Molecules - metabolism; Cytoskeletal Proteins - analysis; Cytoskeletal Proteins - metabolism; Dermatology; Desmogleins; Desmoplakins; Hair - growth & development; Hair - metabolism; Hair Follicle - growth & development; Hair Follicle - metabolism; Homeostasis; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Keratins - metabolism; Ki-67 Antigen - analysis; Ki-67 Antigen - metabolism; Medical sciences; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Protein Precursors - analysis; Protein Precursors - metabolism; Transglutaminases - analysis; Transglutaminases - metabolism; Human; Immunohistochemistry; Pathology; catagen phase; Exploration; Hair follicle; Skin; anagen phase
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1997.17641854.x

Summary The transition from the growth phase (anagen) to the involution phase (catagen) involves profound morphological changes in the human hair follicle. Club hair and epithelial column formation, for example, are key features of the catagen phase, which result in the disruption of physical interaction between the bulb and the dermal papilla. However, the dynamics and tissue remodelling that occur during this involution process remain largely unknown. Using monoclonal antibodies directed against K14 keratin, trichohyalin, transglutaminase I, desmoglein and Ki67 antigen, we followed the movements of each of the main hair follicle compartments during the onset of catagen. Our results indicate that the inner root sheath is an early target in this process, suggesting a key role for this compartment in the maintenance of hair follicle homeostasis.