Restoration of hair growth with topical diphencyprone in mouse and rat models of alopecia areata.
BACKGROUND
The contact sensitizer, diphencyprone (DPCP), is one of the most effective therapies for the more severe forms of alopecia areata (AA).


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of topical DPCP on the 2 available rodent models for AA, and to determine the underlying therapeutic mechanisms.


METHODS
AA-affected mice and rats were treated unilaterally with topical DPCP on the ventral and dorsal surface, respectively. The opposite sides were treated with vehicle alone. Skin biopsy specimens were collected from both sides for histologic analysis.


RESULTS
Hair regrowth was observed on the treated sides in the majority of the animals of both species. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed reduction of intrafollicular CD8(+) lymphocyte infiltrates after successful treatment in mice.


CONCLUSIONS
The AA-like hair disorder of these 2 rodent models can be used as a tool for furthering our understanding of human AA and the therapeutic actions of DPCP.
Tang
Liren
L
Division of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 835 W 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4E8.
Lui
Harvey
H
Sundberg
John P
JP
Bissonnette
Robert
R
McLean
David I
DI
Shapiro
Jerry
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000818:Animals; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology
D003521:Cyclopropanes; C029402:diphenylcyclopropenone