(a) Model of autologous transplantation using DPs and split-thickness skin graft. (b) DPs consistently induced giant, often bifurcated, vibrissa-like HFs from the distal segments of anagen pelage HFs. Representative images are shown. (c-e) In this wound model, HF neogenesis was induced by DPs derived from vibrissa HFs previously irradiated with 24 Gy of X-ray. Although this X-ray dose causes destruction of HF epithelium, DPs survive the irradiation (c
vs.
d). Pelage HF segments not in contact with vibrissa DPs fail to regenerate new HFs (arrowheads on b, e). Representative images are shown. Size bars: b-e – 50 µm.