Abstract: Objective To observe the growth kinetics of dermal papilla cells and dermal sheath cells from human hair follicles in vitro and the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF)on them. Methods Dermal papillae which were isolated from human hair follicles by collagenase D and dermal sheath cells were cultured in vitro. Dermal papilla cells and dermal sheath cells were stimulated by epidermal growth factor,hydrocortisone and insulin,or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and counted in different time. The ³H-TdR incorporation of these cells was determined in basal medium and routine medium+ EGF. Results The growth of dermal papilla cells,dermal sheath cells and fibroblasts all showed three phases: stagnant phase in first four days,log growth phase in 5th to 11th day and slow growth phase. The growth of three types of cells,especially the dermal sheath cells,was markedly stimulated by EGF. Conclusions The growth of three types of mesenchymal cells is markedly stimulated by EGF in routine medium+ EGF,which provides the experimental evidence that this medium can be used for the organotypic culture of epithelial and dermal cells from hair follicles and skin.

Key words: Hair follicle, Dermal papilla cells, Growth, Culture