[Determination of scalp ER and AR of patients with male pattern baldness and the effects of hair transplantation on them].

[OBJECTIVE] To study the role of sex hormone receptor capacity of the scalp in male pattern baldness(MPB).

[METHODS] Estrogen receptor(ER) and androgen receptor(AR) assays were performed using fluorescent steroid hormone conjugate technique (FSHCT) in hairness and bald scalp in 8 patients with MPB. Changes of ER and AR capacity in recipient and donor sites of hair transplantation in MPB scalps were examined.

[RESULTS] The percentage of AR staining cells in the outer root sheath, sebaceous gland and bulb papilla of the lesional scalps was significantly higher than that of hairness scalps (P < 0.01). The percentage of ER positive cells in the outer root sheath of lesional scalps increased significantly (P < 0.01).

[CONCLUSION] Changes of contents of sex hormone receptors(SHR) in some sensitive area of the scalp induce MPB.