In vivo promoted growth of mice hair follicles by the controlled release of growth factors

This study is an investigation to evaluate how the controlled release of different growth factors modifies the hair follicle growth of mice. For the controlled release, basic fibroblast growth factor or hepatocyte growth factor was incorporated into a biodegradable gelatin hydrogel, while vascular endothelial growth factor was incorporated into a biodegradable collagen hydrogel. After subcutaneous implantation of the two different hydrogels incorporating growth factors into the backs of mice, hair follicle growth was evaluated photometrically and histologically 10 days later. The darkness of the reverse side of skin implanted with every hydrogel incorporating growth factor was significantly higher than that of skin injected with the corresponding growth factor in the solution. Implantation of the hydrogel incorporating growth factor increased the area of the hair follicles to a significantly greater extent than other control groups, whereas no effect on the skin thickness was observed. The length of hair shaft elongated was significantly high by the hydrogel incorporating every growth factor. Neither empty gelatin nor collagen hydrogels affected hair follicle growth. These findings indicate that the controlled release enabled the growth factor to positively act on the hair growth cycle of mice.