Abstract: Objective To investigate the interaction between dermal papilla cells and hair follicle epithelial cells,to understand the regulation of hair follicle growth cycle, and to find out the pathway of hair follicle reconsitution in vitro and in vivo. Method Human dermal papilla cells and hair follicle epithelial cells were cultured in the same or separated compartments.The cells were counted in different phases and the cell growth pattern was observed. Results The two kinds of cells could stimulate the proliferation each other.Human hair follicle epithelial cells could induce dermal papilla cells to aggregate and form dermal papilla-like structure. Conclusion There is a mutual interaction between the epithelial cells and dermal cells of the hair follicle.The growth and development of hair follicle is regulated by the interaction of these cells.

Key words: Hair follicle, Epithelial cells, Stromal cells