title: Uptake kinetics and the effect of minoxidil on human keratinocyte cultures.
abstract: The antihypertensive drug minoxidil (Lonolox) is rapidly taken up by human keratinocytes (HaCaT-cells). After 3 h the uptake is half of its maximum. Specific minoxidil receptors could not be found. High minoxidil concentrations (greater than 100 micrograms/ml) inhibited the incorporation of thymidine into DNA (ED50 = 263 micrograms/ml) and the incorporation of amino acids into proteins (ED50 = 251 micrograms/ml). The inhibition was reversible up to a concentration of 400 micrograms/ml. In the presence of 100 micrograms/ml minoxidil, the cell division remained active for a longer period of time and a higher cell density was achieved as opposed to the parallel control group. A prolongation of the proliferative capability of keratinocytes may be partially responsible for the positive effect of minoxidil on hair growth.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum der Dermatologie und Venerologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main, Fed. Rep. of Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bernd
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breuer
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dold
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Holzmann
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006367:HeLa Cells; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D008914:Minoxidil; D013936:Thymidine