Abstract: Objective To observe the ability of dermal papilla cells inducing hair follicle regeneration and hair follicle reconstruction. Methods Gels of typeⅠ collagen(rat tail) separately populated with hair papillary cells(DPC), dermal sheath cells(DSC) or dermal fibroblasts were prepared. After contraction gels were mounted in a small tube. The epithelial cells of hair follicle were seeded onto these gels, grew in DMEM medium for a week, and lifted at the air medium interface and grew for an additional week, then grafted into the subcutis of nude mice. Results The formation of hair follicle like structure was observed in the combined culture of DPC with the cells of the upper fragment, lower portion and bulb of follicles or in organ culture of DSC with bulb cells. Nevertheless, when the cultures were implanted into the subcutis of nude mice, the relatively intact hair follicles were formed. Conclusion DPC can induce hair follicle regeneration and sustain hair follicle growth in vivo and in vitro.

Key words: Hair follicle, Organ culture