Effect of skin-graft harvesting on hair growth; implications for the study of alopecia.

Abstract

An experiment using guinea pigs was performed to demonstrate the feasibility of repeated skin-graft harvesting as a model system in the study of diffuse alopecia. In response to four split-thickness skin harvests from the same site at 2-week intervals, the number of hairs observed and follicular area doubled, implying a transition of hair follicles from vellus to terminal, compared with ungrafted control skin from the alternate side of the same animals. The guinea pig may serve as a future model for the study of diffuse alopecia because its hair growth patterns are similar to those observed in humans.

• Authors: L Li, J B Robinson Jr, R J Rohrich
• Journal: Annals of plastic surgery (Ann Plast Surg) Vol. 34 Issue 5 Pg. 539-41 (May 1995) ISSN: 0148-7043 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7639493 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Alopecia (pathology)
• Animals
• Female
• Guinea Pigs
• Hair (growth & development)
• Models, Biological
• Skin Transplantation (pathology)