P6.58 Expression of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor α and β in dermal papilla cells compared with dermal sheath cells and dermal fibroblasts in vitro

Oh Sang Kwon*, Hyeon Gyeong Yoo, Ji Hyun Han, Jin Ho Chung, Kyu Han Kim, Hee Chul Eun, Kwang Hyun Cho

Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital*

Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Biology Research, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea

Background: The physiology and metabolism of skin with hair follicles are known to be under the influence of androgens and estrogens. The actions of such sex hormones are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), members of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. Tissue responses to hormone may depend on the expressed levels of the receptors.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a difference in expression of AR, ERα and β in dermal papilla cells (DPCs), dermal sheath cells (DSCs) and dermal fibroblasts (DFs) from non-balding occipital scalp in vitro.

Methods: Human scalp tissues were obtained from occiput of 3 normal volunteers. We investigated the expression of the receptors and corresponding genes by Western blot and RT-PCR in cultured DPCs and surrounding mesenchymal cells.

Results: The receptors and corresponding mRNAs were expressed in all cell types, but the intensities were different between each cell. AR and ERβ were most expressed  in DPCs, followed by DSCs and then DFs. However, ERα revealed highest positivity in DSCs, which was succeeded by DPCs and DFs subsequently.

Conclusions: High expression of AR and ERβ in DPCs suggest they may have a close interaction for the regulation of the hair follicle. In DSCs, ERα was more expressed than ERβ and might be the main mediator of estrogen action. The differential expression of AR, ERα and β in human scalp implicates a delicate hormonal control in hair follicles and skin.