DNA DETERMINATION OF HUMAN HAIR BULBS IN NORMAL AND ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

We carried out a cytophotometric study of the DNA content of matrix ce lls from normal hair follicles and those affected by androgenetic alop ecia (early and established baldness), using the Feulgen technique. We thereby obtained a 2C reference value from lymphocyte nuclei from nor mal skin, from which we established a 2C-4C and 4C DNA content. The re sults obtained showed 71.75% of matrix cells in normal scalp to have a 2C content, while the remaining 28.25% was distributed between the va lues of 2C-4C and 4C. However, in early baldness, the number of 2C cel ls dropped to 48%, with a notable increase in cell populations with a 2C-4C and 4C content, which varied from 29.45% and 22.55% respectively . Finally, in established baldness, the 2C values decreased to as low as 29.56%, with the percentage of cells with a 2C-4C content reaching 38.71% and those of 4C, 31.73%. (C) Munksgaard 1994.