Korean J Dermatol.  2002 Dec;40(12):1487-1492.

The Expressions of Androgen Receptors and Estrogen Receptors in Bald and Non-bald Area of Androgenic Alopecia

• Son HC
• Sim WY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Androgenic alopecia, commonly known in men as male pattern baldness is the gradual balding of the scalp in response to androgens in genetically predisposed individuals. Androgens can gradually transform large scalp hair follicles to smaller vellus ones, causing balding. The mechanisms involved are unclear, although androgens are believed to act on the epithelial hair follicle via the mesenchymal derived dermal papilla. During pregnancy, hair growth is increased, as estrogen appears to prolong the anagen phase, and postpartum hair loss may be related to a rapid decrease in estrogen.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the difference of the expressions of androgen receptors(AR) and estrogen receptors(ER) by monoclonal antibodies in biopsy specimens between bald area and non-bald area.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical analysis of AR and ER receptor were preformed on the paraffine-embedded tissue sections of bald area and non-bald area in 6 cases of androgenic alopecia using anti-AR and anti-ER monoclonal antibodies with avidin-biotin peroxidase complex procedure.
RESULTS
The results were that androgen receptors were higher level in bald area and estrogen receptors showed no difference between bald and non-bald area.
CONCLUSION
This study supports that locally increased androgen activities may be related with hair loss in androgenic alopecia and estrogens have less relationship in the pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia.

MeSH Terms

Alopecia*
Androgens
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Biopsy
Estrogens*
Hair
Hair Follicle
Humans
Male
Peroxidase
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Receptors, Androgen*
Receptors, Estrogen*
Scalp
Androgens
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Estrogens
Peroxidase
Receptors, Androgen
Receptors, Estrogen