Hairloss Study Abstract: Potassium channel conductance as a control mechanism in hair follicles

Title: Potassium channel conductance as a control mechanism in hair follicles.
Title Abbreviation: J Invest Dermatol		Date of Pub: 1993 Jul
Author: Buhl AE; Conrad SJ; Waldon DJ; Brunden MN;
Issue/Part/Supplement: 1 Suppl	Volume Issue: 101		Pagination: 148S-152S
MESH Headings: Hair (GD); Human; Potassium Channels (PH); -AA-;
Journal Title Code: IHZ	Publication Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Date of Entry: 930811N	Entry Month: 9310
Country: UNITED STATES	Index Priority: 1
Language: Eng	Unique Identifier: 93315888
Unique Identifier: 93315888	ISSN: 0022-202X
Abstract: The opening of intracellular potassium channels is a common mechanism of action for a set of anti-hypertensive drugs that includes the hair-growth-inducing agent minoxidil. Recent work suggests potassium channel openers (PCOs) also influence hair growth. Correlative studies demonstrate that a series of PCOs including minoxidil, pinacidil, P-1075, an active pinacidil analog, RP-49,356, cromakalim, and nicorandil maintain hair growth in cultured vibrissa follicles. Studies using balding stumptail macaques verify that minoxidil, P-1075, and cromakalim but not RP-49,356 stimulate hair growth. The definition of potassium channels and documentation of drug effects on these channels is classically done using electrophysiologic techniques. Such studies require the identification and isolation of target cells. Both these are among the unsolved problems in the area of hair biology. Estimating K+ flux using 86Rb+ as a K+ tracer is an accepted method of assessing potassium channel conductance in other organ systems. Both pinacidil and RP-49,356 induce measurable Rb+ flux in isolated vibrissa follicles and a hair epithelial cell line whereas neither minoxidil nor minoxidil sulfate had measurable effects. Potassium channels have been studied successfully in other organ systems using specific pharmacologic blockers for the various channel subtypes. Blockers including glyburide, tetraethylammonium, and procaine failed to inhibit minoxidil stimulation of cultured follicles. The current explosion of knowledge on potassium channel biology, cloning of channels, and continued progress in hair biology promise to clarify the role of K+ ions in the control of hair follicles.
Abstract By: Author
Address: Dermatology Research, Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.
Number of References: 34