Restoration of hair growth with topical diphencyprone in mouse and rat models of alopecia areata.

Abstract

The contact sensitizer, diphencyprone (DPCP), is one of the most effective therapies for the more severe forms of alopecia areata (AA). 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. 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. 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. 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.