title: Analysis of hair from alopecia congenita.
abstract: Two patients with alopecia congenita had short vellus hairs of the scalp but some apparently normal-sized hairs in other areas. Both fibrous and matrix proteins were detected in the scalp hairs by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and x-ray diffraction analysis revealed a normal alpha pattern. Amino acid analysis showed a decreased cystine content suggesting a quantitative or qualitative change in the matrix component. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed pits and bulges in the cuticle cells which may be related to wearing a wig. The data suggest a defect in the development of the follicle rather than an abnormality in a component of the hair.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000151:congenital*; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D006197:Hair / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D011506:Proteins