Analysis of Cytokines and ATP in Plucked Hair Follicles.

The concentrations of ATP, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured in extracts of plucked hair follicles from healthy volunteers (normal values) and patients with androgenetic alopecia and then, ATP, IL-6, and IL-10 content was calculated for each follicle. The resulting values were directly proportional to hair follicle length, except for IL-6. The concentration of extracted ATP correlated with lactate dehydrogenase activity indicating cell damage.