[Biological characteristics of cultured papilla cells--localization of androgen receptors and chemotactic factor(s) for epithelial cells]

Abstract

We have reported that cultured papilla cells (PCs) grown by isolation and cultivation of human hair papillae show some biological characteristics. In the present report, some important biological characteristics of PCs are showed. 1) localization of androgen receptors on PCs Localization of androgen binding protein in PCs was examined. Cytochemical staining of PCs using DHT-peroxidase conjugate gave positive reactions in the niclei of PCs originating from scalp and axilla-dermal papillae. These results suggest that androgen receptors exist in PCs. 2) chemotactic factor (s) for keratinocytes It has been demonstrated in animal experiments by Oliver, et al. that the hair papillae have an induction effect on the hair follicles. The mechanism is unknown, but PCs potentially produce and secrete chemotactic factor (s) for keratinocytes. Chemotactic response of epithelial cells to chemoattractants derived from papilla cells was examined using Bayden chamber assay. These results suggest that PCs have keratinocyte-chemotactic factors.