Abstract
Depending on environmental influences, follicular outer root sheath (ORS) cells in vivo can differentiate either towards interfollicular keratinocytes or, as demonstrated in the rat vibrissa, hair matrix cells. Crucial regulators of both their proliferation and differentiation are the mesenchymal cells of the respective tissues. The interactions of human ORS cells with human hair papilla cells (HPC) or human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were studied using a two-chamber model separating the two cell types either by a microporous membrane or additionally by a medium layer. The results of 3H-thymidine incorporation studies indicated that ORS cell growth was markedly enhanced in co-culture with either HPC or HDF, the highest stimulatory effect resulting when ORS cells were in close association with the mesenchymal cells. No correlation was found between ORS cell proliferation and IL-6 production in the co-culture system, thus pointing to the secretion by HPC and HDF of growth-promoting soluble factors that are different form IL-6 as well as from EGF, bFGF and insulin present in the culture medium.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
