It’s a study in mice, but for the first time, researchers have pinpointed the biological pathway that links stress to grey hair
For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.
The cells that are targeted by the sympathetic nervous system under stress are a group of color-generating stem cells found deep in the so-called bulge of the hair follicle from which all new hair grows. Called melanocyte stem cells, these cells become active when a new hair begins to sprout in the follicle; the melanocyte stem cell then starts to divide and produce pigment-producing cells that color the shaft of the hair as it grows.
Hsu found that even during normal stress , the sympathetic nervous system is active, and produces the chemical norepinephrine, which leads to increased muscle contraction, including in the heart. In response to the norepinephrine, the melanocyte stem cells start churning out more than the usual allotment of pigment, misreading the stress-induced cue for the one that signals new hair growth. Eventually, their color reservoir runs dry and they can’t produce pigment any more.
The connection between stress and the nervous system and pigment-producing cells may be an evolutionarily conserved association among different species—cephalopods, including squid and octopi, also change color when under stress. Whether something similar is at work in mammals and greying hair isn’t clear yet, but these findings are a reminder that stress has widespread effects on the body, and may be working in ways that doctors still don’t fully understand.
Based on these findings, it’s possible that there may eventually be a way to either preserve the melanocyte stem cells, or control the effect that the sympathetic nervous system has on their number. But for now, Hsu says, “There is no treatment available at this very moment. There is still a lot of work to do in this area.”
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Vincent van Gogh's strange self-portrait is genuine, experts confirmAfter years of doubt, experts have confirmed that a Vincent van Gogh self-portrait at Norway's National Museum was indeed painted by the Dutch master.
Weiterlesen »
Experts say Vincent van Gogh self-portrait is genuineAfter years of doubts about its authenticity, experts in Amsterdam have confirmed that a Vincent van Gogh self-portrait was indeed painted by the Dutch master as he recovered in a French asylum from a mental breakdown.
Weiterlesen »
13 Hair Fragrances That’ll Convince You to Try Hair Fragrance13 hair fragrances that'll convince you to try hair fragrance.
Weiterlesen »
Everything You Need to Know About Bobs, Lobs, and Other Medium-Length Haircuts, According to Margot Robbie's Stylist Bryce ScarlettThe long bob was this season's biggest hairstyle. Celebrity hair stylist Bryce Scarlett talks about bobs, lobs, medium-length hair, and haircuts.
Weiterlesen »
Holly Hagan looks completely unrecognisable with new pink hairHolly Hagan has experimented with different hair colours over the years, trying anything from brunette, to red to even blonde hair
Weiterlesen »
The Jonas Brothers Just Recreated The Shane Gray Scene From 'Camp Rock''I'm SHANE GRAY for crying out loud!'
Weiterlesen »