Studies on the Bulge Stem Cells in Hair Follicle

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Here is a collection of studies on hair follicle cycles and regeneration mechanisms. Specific attention in the links is on the “Bulge” and stem cells contained in it. Studies observed that Epithelial Stem Cells in the Bulge contribute to hair cycles, follicle regeneration, and wound repair in epidermal layer of the skin. The Bulge is independent from the Dermal Papilla but interplay with each other during follicular cycling. The cellular “communication” between the Bulge and the Dermal Papilla is not fully understood yet.

Controls of Hair Follicle Cycling, K.S. Stenn and R. Paus (2001)

The illustration of hair follicles in different stages is detailed in this paper. Section on Stem Cells of the Follicle discusses their role and location. (Location of stem cells seems to change with stages of growth.) Section on Telogen stage has an interesting suggestion that Telogen may not be a resting phase, as we previously understood.
http://physrev.physiology.org/content/81/1/449.long

Capturing and Profiling Adult Hair Stem Cells (2006)

In this study they isolated and traced stem cells and observed their activity. They were able to address the debate whether bulge stem cells directly contribute to hair regeneration at onset of anagen phase. They showed direct involvement of bulge cells in regeneration process during anagen. They also observed some low presence of bulge stem cells in telogen phase.
http://curriculum.usc.edu/md_phd_journal/fall_2006/Dr.%20Chuong%20and%20Dr.%20Garner%20-%20Stem%20Cells.pdf

Epithelial Stem Cells: A folliculocentric View, G. Cotsarelis (2006)

This is a general review on studies involving the Bulge, stem cells roles. The colored illustrations of follicles in different stages are clear to interpret. Two different models illustrate Bulge stem cell locations at different growth stages based on two theories.
http://www.med.upenn.edu/timm/documents/JIDfolliculocentricReview.pdf

For those that might find this interesting, this study is on how stem cells from follicle bulge migrate towards epidermis and contribute to wound healing process.
http://curriculum.usc.edu/md_phd_journal/fall_2006/Dr.%20Chuong%20and%20Dr.%20Garner%20-%20Stem%20Cells2.pdf

#2

Thank you. I will read this in leisure.

But a question from reading your first paragraph: if epithelial stem cells contribute to wound healing and are destroyed during electrolysis, can electrolysis potentially impair would healing in the future?

#3

I have seen this possibility raised. A plastic surgeon I came across said he won’t do ablative facial procedures, like laser resurfacing, on people who have had a lot of electrolysis because their skin’s ability to heal might be compromised. Having said this, I’ve seen people who had even very deep chemical peels done after electrolysis treatment and healed with no problem. However, it’s definitely something to think about.

#4

Fenix: Thanks for the great links.

Also: “But a question from reading your first paragraph: if epithelial stem cells contribute to wound healing and are destroyed during electrolysis, can electrolysis potentially impair would healing in the future?”

I think I address this issue in my book. Remember that epithelial cells are also located in vellus hairs, in sebaceous glands and in “sweat” glands too (these migrate out too). In wound-healing, the epidermis re-grows with a vengeance!

Still, after a LOT of electrolysis (i.e., beard) I don’t know about total removal of the epidermis … say, in real dermabrasion (not MICRO-dermabrasion). Probably too much.

I do love all of this. I still remember my conversations with Art Hinkel (1970s). Before the bulge and stem cells were discovered, he would say to me, “Bono, there is ‘something else’ going on in the follicle much higher up … it’s NOT just all about the papilla.” (I mention this conversation in my first book … “Hinkel talking about the ‘brain’ of the follicle.”