J C Kim1, Y C Choi. 1. Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kyung-pook National University, Taegu, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The bulbar region of the hair follicle contains the dermal papilla, hair germinative epithelial component, and active melanocytes. Thus, it has been assumed that the bulbar region plays a central role in hair growth, differentiation, and pigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the regenerative capacity of human hair. METHODS: Individual anagen hair follicles were isolated from the occipital scalp and grafted onto the leg after removal of the bulb. RESULTS: The grafts of follicles from which the bulb and complete papilla have been excised regenerated new papillae and grew new pigmented hairs. CONCLUSION: The middle portion of the outer root sheath and dermal sheath may also contain epithelial, mesenchymal, and melanocyte reservoirs.
BACKGROUND: The bulbar region of the hair follicle contains the dermal papilla, hair germinative epithelial component, and active melanocytes. Thus, it has been assumed that the bulbar region plays a central role in hair growth, differentiation, and pigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the regenerative capacity of human hair. METHODS: Individual anagen hair follicles were isolated from the occipital scalp and grafted onto the leg after removal of the bulb. RESULTS: The grafts of follicles from which the bulb and complete papilla have been excised regenerated new papillae and grew new pigmented hairs. CONCLUSION: The middle portion of the outer root sheath and dermal sheath may also contain epithelial, mesenchymal, and melanocyte reservoirs.