Comparative histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of platelet rich plasma/minoxidil, alone or in combination, on hair growth in a rat model of androgenic alopecia

Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the commonest cause of hair loss in men with limited treatment options.

Aim of the work: To compare the efficacy of PRP and minoxidil on experimentally induced AGA in adult male albino rats.

Materials and methods: Thirty male albino rats were used. Group I (control group). Group II (AGA group): received testosterone only. Group III: received topical minoxidil. Group IV: received PRP /three days. Group V: received PRP and topical minoxidil.

Results: Groups III, IV, and V showed significant increase in mean epidermal thickness, mean numbers of total hair follicles and anagen hair follicles, and decrease in telogen hair follicles compared to AGA group. Group V showed the best results. AGA group showed perifollicular fibrosis and follicular streamers. They were absent in PRP group and group V. Significant decrease of Ki-67 positive cells in AGA. PRP and minoxidil groups showed a significant increase in number of Ki-67 positive cells compared to control and AGA groups. Group V showed the highest number of Ki-67 positive cells.

Conclusion: PRP was more effective than minoxidil in treatment of experimentally induced AGA in rats. The best results were obtained when PRP and minoxidil were administered together.