Effect of platelet rich plasma on hair follicle graft survival: Experimental study

Platelet Rich Plasma is currently used for a wide variety of medical applications. There are not much publications about its hair applications. We planned to observe the influence of Platelet Rich Plasma to the success rate and vascularization rate of hair transplantation on recipient area by this experimental study. 40 male rats used in this experiment. Control and Platelet Rich Plasma application sides are determined on the dorsal skin of the same animal. On both dorsal sides 2x1 cm skin islands are excised and punched to get out hair follicle grafts. Hair follicles were transplanted into subcutaneous dorsal pockets on right and left side. Injection of 0.2 ml Platelet Rich Plasma was made to left side. After 1 (20 rats) and 2 (20 rats) months after transplantation, skin sample including the hair follicle were removed and analyzed by immunochemical CD31 and direct microscope. After 1 month, control and Platelet Rich Plasma groups exhibited similar density of follicle shaft. But degree of capillary formation in PRP group was higher than that of the control groups. After 2 months, degree of capillary formation and follicle shaft numbers were significantly higher than that of control groups. Increase of capillaries were correlated Platelet Rich Plasma involving IGF, VEGF, EGF which are important in angiogenesis and endothelial differentiations. Increase of hair shaft number was correlated with PDGF's mitogen and chemoattractant effect to mesenchymal cells and stem cells. Also Platelet Rich Plasma involves EGF, IGF, TGF- β, these affect hair growth. In conclusion, Platelet Rich Plasma and hair transplantation collocation to may enhance the success of hair transplantations.