dinoprost and Hypertrichosis

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Androgens; Anticonvulsants; Cyclosporine; Dinoprost; ErbB Receptors; Hirsutism; Humans; Hypertrichosis; Immunosuppressive Agents; Minoxidil; Oxytocics; Phenytoin; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Vasodilator Agents

Prostaglandin F2α analogs, commonly prescribed for glaucoma treatment, have been shown to induce side effects such as cutaneous hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, these medications have theoretic applications in the treatment of alopecia and disorders of hypopigmentation. We reviewed the literature to find original studies assessing the use of prostaglandin F2α analogs in these settings. Studies and reports were analyzed in regards to androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, vitiligo, and hypopigmented scarring. Based on the results of these studies, and consideration of pathophysiologic mechanism, the most promising applications for prostaglandin F2α analogs include androgenic alopecia, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, and alopecia areata concurrently treated with corticosteroids.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Alopecia; Amides; Animals; Bimatoprost; Cloprostenol; Dinoprost; Disease Models, Animal; Double-Blind Method; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Eyelashes; Glaucoma; Hair Follicle; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Hypertrichosis; Hypopigmentation; Melanins; Mice; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Single-Blind Method

Latanoprost and isopropyl unoprostone, which are analogues of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), are promising drugs for the reduction of intra-ocular pressure. However, they have been reported to have side effects, including hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation of the eyelashes and periocular skin, and occasionally poliosis. In order to investigate these effects further, PGF2alpha, latanoprost and isopropyl unoprostone were applied to the dorsal skin of 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice, and hair length was measured during the treatment. The three molecules all showed stimulatory effects on the murine hair follicles and the follicular melanocytes in both the telogen and anagen stages, and stimulated conversion from the telogen to the anagen phase. PGE2 is known to act synergistically with PGF2alpha, and hence the influence of PGE2 was also examined. PGE2 did not induce distinct telogen-to-anagen conversion, but showed moderate growth stimulatory effects on early anagen hair follicles. In addition, we observed a case of hypertrichosis and trichomegaly with an excess of melanogenesis, leading to the emergence of white hair, suggesting that poliosis can occur as a side effect of eye treatment with solutions of PGF2alpha analogues. The stimulatory effects of PGF2alpha and PGE2 on hair growth have been discussed with regard to the role of protein kinase C and mast cells.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Cell Division; Dinoprost; Female; Hair; Hair Color; Hair Follicle; Hypertrichosis; Latanoprost; Melanocytes; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic