Very interesting study, not sure if you guys are already aware of it.
Mark M
least the conclusion of this article. I have posted the abstract here.
Basically the conclusion indicates that latanoprost was about as
effective as 5% minox in turning vellous hair to terminal hair and
thickening of hair shafts. Sorry if i have any of the details wrong, I
read the study this morning at uni.
Mark.
-------------------------------------
Authors
Uno H. Zimbric ML. Albert DM. Stjernschantz J.
Title
Effect of latanoprost on hair growth in the bald scalp of the
stump-tailed macacque: A pilot study
Source
Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 82(1):7-12, 2002.
Abstract
Latanoprost, a selective FP prostanoid receptor agonist used in the
treatment of glaucoma, has a hypertrichotic side effect. Using the
macaque model of androgenetic alopecia, we examined the effect of
latanoprost on hair growth. Eight monkeys were divided into 2 groups;
one group received a daily topical application of 50 mug/ml of
latanoprost for 5 months; a control group had a daily application of
vehicle. For an additional 3 months, 2 monkeys from each group were
given 500 mug/ml latanoprost, while the remaining monkeys continued
with the previous treatment. Hair growth was evaluated by monthly
photographs and phototricho-graphic analysis. Fifty mug/ml of
latanoprost caused minimal hair growth. Latanoprost at 500 mug/ml
induced moderate to marked hair regrowth with 5-10% conversion of
vellus hairs to intermediary or terminal hairs. The vehicle group
showed no effect. Further evaluation of latanoprost as an agent for
treatment of human androgenetic alopecia is indicated. [References:
35]
Publication Type
Article
Kev
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> Those of you with access to this database, I recommend you read at
> least the conclusion of this article. I have posted the abstract here.
> Basically the conclusion indicates that latanoprost was about as
> effective as 5% minox in turning vellous hair to terminal hair and
> thickening of hair shafts. Sorry if i have any of the details wrong, I
> read the study this morning at uni.
The problem is that latanoprost is very expensive. It's used to treat
certain eye conditions, and is sold at a concentration of 50 mug/ml,
which happens to be the same as the lowest concentration used in this
study, and the one that produced "minimal hair growth". It's sold in
2.5 ml bottles, which means ONE bottle will last you slightly more
than ONE DAY (if you apply it with the same frequency as Rogaine,
otherwise it will last you slightly more than two days). Since the
cost of ONE bottle usually runs $35-60 dollars, you can see that this
would cost you many hundreds of dollars per month, if not well over a
thousand a month. Obviously "minimal hair growth" is not worth
anywhere near that kind of money. Even if one bottle lasted you one
full month, its use would still be debatable, IMO.
We need the higher concentration used in this study, and the price
needs to come way down.
Mark M
at least read that!:
Table III. Change of population in hair types during the last 3 months
of treatment
Treatment/case no. Type of hair
Vellus (%) Intermediary (%) Terminal (%)
Latanoprost (500 micrograms/ml )
No. 1 Decrease 10.5% Increase 6.6% Increase 4%
No. 2 Decrease 10.2% Increase 8.7% Increase 1.5%
No. 5 Decrease 4.5% Increase 1% Increase 3.5%
No. 6 Increase 4.4% Decrease 7% Increase 2.5%
(Average)* (ą 5.3%) ( + 9.3%) (+ 2.9%)
Latanoprost (50 microgram/ml )
No. 3 Decrease 6.7% Increase 17.7% Decrease 1.2%
No. 4 Increase 2% Decrease 4.6% Increase 2.5%
(Average)* (ą 2.3%) (+ 6.6%) (+ 0.6%)
Vehicle
No. 7 Increase 7.5% Decrease 4.6% Decrease 2%
No. 8 Decrease 0.1% Decrease 0.6% Decrease 0.9%
(Average)* (ą 3.7%) ( ą 2.6%) (ą 1.5%)
*Average rates in each group calculated by decreased (minus) and
increased (plus) populations in 3 types of hair in each treatment
group.
Acta Derm Venereol 82
Application at these dosages was: 1 mL five times a week.
----------
Here is the conclusion of the study for those who cant be bothered
searching for it yourself.
DISCUSSION
In these experiments we studied the bald scalp of the
stump-tailed macaque, which serves as a non-human
primate model of human androgenetic alopecia. We
observed that latanoprost had a positive action on hair
growth. This eVect of latanoprost on hair growth was
dose-dependent and the minimal eVective dose was
50 mg/ml (0.005% w/v). At a dose of 500 mg/ml (0.05%),
latanoprost induced signi. cant hair growth, correspondof
ing to that seen with 5% minoxidil solution in our
previous studies. The phototrichographi c data showed
that 0.05% latanoprost solution induced 10% conversion
of the vellus hair to intermediary or to terminal hairs in
2 of 4 macaques. In our earlier studies, 5% minoxidil
induced 10% conversion of vellus hair to terminal hairs
in the macaque showing the greatest response (17).
Observing monthly global photographs, latanoprost
500 mg/ml induced noticeable hair regrowth and
increased thickening and length of hair, as early as one
month after treatment in 3 out of 4 monkeys. During 3
months of treatment, all 4 monkeys showed further
progression of hair growth. These sequential changes of
hair growth were graded according to 4 categories. The
average grading scores assessed from monthly global
photographs in the 3 experimental groups ( latanoprost
50 mg/ml and 500 mg/ml, and vehicle) corresponded well
with the data of phototrichographi c analysis.
Follicular regression in androgenetic alopecia in both
human and stump-tailed macaques is known to be
triggered by postpubertal elevation of serum testosterone
and dihydrotestosteron e (22 25). Furthermore, an
inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase , . nasteride, and androgen
receptor blocker, RU58841, successfully induced
regrowth of hair in the bald scalp in both human and
macaque alopecia (18, 19, 21, 26).
Hypertrichotic agents such as minoxidil and diazoxide
induce thickening of hairs elsewhere in the body (27,
28). These vasodilators acting as potassium channel
openers are known to cause regrowth of hair in human
and macaque alopecia (13, 29, 30). Minoxidil also
activates cyclo-oxygenase I (PGHS I ) in human dermal
papilla . broblasts, resulting in increased production of
prostaglandin (31). The dermal papilla cells in follicles
are known to have inductive action on the cyclic growth
and transformation of follicles (32 34). Latanoprost as
an analogue of prostaglandin F2a is known to have
diverse pharmacological eVects such as vasodilatory,
melanogenic, and hypertrichotic eVects (1, 2, 3, 10, 11,
35). The vasodilatory action of minoxidil and latano-
prost appears to associate with prostaglandin F2a, which
induces long-standing vasodilation in perifollicular ves-
sels resulting in stimulating follicular growth.
In summary, latanoprost, a selective FP prostanoid
receptor agonist, showed a potent eVect on hair growth
in the bald scalp of macaques. Thus, latanoprost appears
to be a promising candidate in the therapy of human
androgenetic alopecia.
Mark M
did not copy correctly. The dosages are all in micrograms. Xalatan
contains 2.5ml of 50mcg/ml. This is the minimal effective
concentration, however it would only last 2.5 days :(
Basically from the study the study it seems we would need latanoprost
which is 10X more concentrated as Xalatan and about 30mLs of it to
have a very effective solution which would last about a month.
Does anyone know where i can get generic latanoprost made up for me at
higher concentration?
Soulpt
I emailed Dr. Uno and as it turns out the study most recently
published on Latanoprost was done prior to his retirement. I asked
him what his initial impression of the drug was versus Minoxidil and
the RU58841 trials he conducted. He stated the following.......
"That test was my last work before retirement.
Using 0.05% solution, hair grew in bald head of monkeys.
It was only for short term study, but the initial effect was
comparable with 5% minoxidil or 5% RU58841.
I have now no access to use the bald monkeys." - H. Uno
He will not be involved in further trials and did not have any
additional information.
Soulpt
Follow the link to my post on this news group....
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=latanoprost+Uno+Soulpt&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&selm=3ce7a581.461435%40news.nycap.rr.com&rnum=1