Human Scalp Hair Follicles Express Prostaglandin E2 Lipid Mediator and Receptors For Pge2

Abstract

The hair follicle, which is a unique characteristic of the mammals, plays a vital role in a personal appearance and self-image confidence throughout the life and hair growth disorders cause serious psychological distress. The common pathological abnormalities are abnormal hair loss (alopecia) and excessive hair growth (hirsutism), but they are poorly controlled. Therefore an improved treatment for these disorders requires a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating hair growth. Prostaglandin analogues such as latanoprost, which are used for glaucoma treatment, also makes eyelashes grow longer. The mechanism of action by which these drugs stimulate eyelash hair growth is poorly understood. To determine whether PGE₂ lipid mediator and receptors for PGE₂ (EP₂) are expressed in scalp hair follicle, electrospray tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/ESI-MS/MS), RT-PCR and Immunohistochemistry were carried out. Human scalp skin from non-balding areas (occipital and parietal) was obtained from healthy donors undergoing elective cosmetic surgery; with appropriate ethical approval. Isolated scalp hair follicle expresses PGE₂ lipid mediator genes and protein for EP₂. So isolated human scalp follicles contain PGE₂ lipid mediator and express genes and protein for EP₂ indicating that PGE₂ may play a vital role in regulating hair growth, which may lead to a new method for hair loss treatment.