DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Terminology

[0046] The term “hair” as used herein shall mean filamentous appendages from the skin of vertebrates, including the pelage, coat, fur or wool of mammals, and the feathers of birds.

[0047] The term “hair growth” as used herein shall mean any increase in the total quantity of hair, an increase in the number of active hair follicles, an increase in the number of terminal hairs, an increase in the length of one or more hair shafts, an increase in the rate of hair shaft elongation, or an increase in the diameter of one or more hair shafts, on a given area of skin.

[0048] The term “hair growth cycle” as used herein shall mean progression through the phases known as anagen, the growth phase; catagen, the regressing phase; and telogen, the resting phase. The length of each phase varies with species, strains, individuals, and body site; as well as environmental factors, intrinsic hormone levels, and other factors.

[0049] The expression “terminal hair” as used herein shall mean readily visible, relatively coarse hair that is typically pigmented; such as that normally found on the scalp of young adult humans. In animals, terminal hairs comprise the pelage and whiskers. Terminal hair is contrasted with “vellus hair” which is extremely fine, short, unpigmented and almost invisible.

[0050] The term “hair loss” as used herein shall mean a net decrease in the amount of hair, in the number of terminal hairs, or in the number of hair follicles, on a given area of skin.

[0051] The term “alopecia” as used herein means a condition in which hair is being lost or has been lost, or a pre-existing condition of congenital baldness.

[0052] The term “growth factor” as used herein means a biologically active substance which influences proliferation and/or differentiation of various cell types, and may effect developmental, morphological and functional changes, either alone or when modulated by other substances. A growth factor herein may be a proteinaceous entity comprising one or more polypeptide chains.

[0053] The term “TGF” as used herein means generally transforming growth factor, and may refer to one or more members of the class of transforming growth factors, or collectively to the entire class of transforming growth factors.

[0054] The expression “de novo hair follicle differentiation” as used herein means the formation of new hair follicles, as a result of the proliferation of germinative cells and the further differentiation of mesenchymal cells in the proximity of the germinative cells.

[0055] The term “trichogenically effective amount” means that amount which is effective in increasing: the total amount of hair, the overall length or diameter of one or more hairs, the total number of terminal hairs, the total number of hair follicles, or the ratio of hair follicles in anagen:telogen. Such effects may be due to prolongation of the anagen phase, delay in the transition from anagen to telogen, or de-novo hair follicle development.

[0056] As used herein, a “physiologically effective formulation” is a composition that stimulates an increase in hair growth of an animal, or improves the overall appearance of the pelage of an animal, or hair of a human.

B. General Methods

[0057] The skin or integumentary system is the largest organ of the human body. It acts as an interface between the internal and external environment, and fulfills thermoregulatory, barrier, and sensory functions, among others. Histologically, three major tissue layers are identified. The uppermost layer, the epidermis, is a relatively thin stratified squamous epithelium which is itself composed of five strata. Subjacent to the epidermis is the dermis, a dense fibroelastic connective tissue stroma. The third layer, lying beneath the dermis is the subcutaneous layer composed of fatty connective tissue.

[0058] There are two types of skin: hair-bearing skin, which covers the vast majority of the body surface; and hairless skin confined to areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and mucous membranes. The two skin types are differentiated on the basis of the presence or absence of the pilosebaceous apparatus: the hair follicle and the accompanying sebaceous gland.

[0059] Hairs (or pili) are filamentous, keratinized structures derived from the epidermis. Hairs have a number of roles, including thermoregulation, sensory perception, and social communication. The density of hairs per unit area of skin varies with species, strain, and skin site. For example in humans, it ranges from about 600 cm⁻² to about 60 cm⁻², with the highest density being on the face.

[0060] Hairs show enormous variation in the length and diameter of the hair shaft: from <1 mm to >1,000 mm in length, and from 0.005 mm to 0.5 mm in diameter. There are also major differences, within a given individual, in the degree of pigmentation. Two broad categories of hairs are recognized: vellus hairs are short and narrow, and are present over most of the body surface; while terminal hairs are longer, thicker, and often heavily pigmented. Terminal hairs include those of the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as the post-pubertal hair of the axillae and pubis, and the facial and body hair in many males.

[0061] Each hair consists of a shaft and a root. The hair shaft is composed of specialized cells (keratinocytes) containing a particularly strong form of keratin, providing a filament of material with high tensile strength. The root lies within the hair follicle, which is an invagination of the epidermis. The hair follicle may extend deeply into the hypodermis or may be more superficial in the dermis. The proximal end of the root is expanded to form the hair bulb. The bulb is deeply indented on its deep surface by a conical vascular dermal papilla. (For a general description of the components of the skin, its appendages, and the pilosebaceous apparatus see, for example, R. F. Oliver (1980) in The Skin of Vertebrates pp. 199-213, edited by R. I. C. Spearmen & P. A. Riley, Academic Press; and P. L. Williams, et al. (1989) Hairs in Gray's Anatomy, pp. 90-94, edited by P. L. Williams, et al., Churchill Livingston).

[0062] The hair bulb comprises the germinative matrix, a zone of great mitotic activity which generates the hair and its surrounding inner root sheath, and the keratogenous zone, in which cells are keratinized. The germinative matrix consists of a mass of pluripotent cells capping the dermal papilla. Cells arising mitotically from this group move apically, and may differentiate along several different routes. The activity of the hair bulb, and of the whole root complex involves various morphogenetic processes in which different cell shapes, chemical forms of keratin, and cellular migration patterns are produced.

[0063] The formation of hair follicles results from interactions between the epidermis and mesenchyme during fetal development (R. F. Oliver & C. A. B. Jahoda (1988) Clinics in Dermatology 6:74-82). The dermal components of the hair follicle, namely the dermal papilla and dermal sheath, are derived from an aggregate of mesenchymal cells. Follicle initiation and development begin with the aggregation of dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes. The epidermal cells proliferate and penetrate the dermis as plugs. Subsequently, the epidermally derived cells encircle a dermal aggregation and incorporate it into a pocket of tissue, the dermal papilla.

[0064] It is known that follicular development relies on a series of messages between dermis and epidermis. The initial, dermis-derived message is common, not only within mammalian species, but to all classes of vertebrate. The next signal, from the epidermis is class-specific, and instructs the dermis to form a dermal papilla. Thereafter, a second dermal message instructs the epidermal placode to form the class-specific appendage (e.g. hair in mammals) (see, for example, A. G. Messenger (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:4S-9S; D. L. du Cros (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:106S-113S).

[0065] Grafting studies have shown that the dermal papilla is necessary for normal hair follicle function and production of the shaft. The dogma regarding hair follicle development in an individual is that the population of hair follicles and dermal papillae is established during embryogenesis with no further development subsequent to the first few days after birth (P. L. Williams, et al. (1989) Hairs in Gray's Anatomy, pp. 90-94, edited by P. L. Williams, et al., Churchill Livingston; D. H. Cormack (1987) Hairs in Ham's Histology 9th Ed., ed. by D. H. Cormack, pub. J. B. Lippincott Co.).

[0066] Hair growth is effected by proliferation of the hair follicle matrix cells under control of the dermal papilla, and is cyclical. Three distinct stages in the hair growth cycle are recognized: anagen, an active phase when hair growth occurs; catagen, the transition stage during which follicle activity declines; and telogen, the resting phase when no cell proliferation occurs. In simple terms, alopecia can be explained as degeneration of the hair follicles and a shift in the population of follicles from the anagen phase to the telogen phase.

[0067] The dynamics of the hair growth cycle vary from species to species, between different body sites of the same species, and between different follicle types in the same body site. Synchrony of the hair growth cycle during the neonatal period occurs in many animals, including humans. In many mammals, characteristic molt waves continue into adult life. In many wild species, the molt is regulated by environmental stimuli, particularly the photoperiod, resulting in seasonal changes in the quality and quantity of the pelage. In humans, follicular activity rapidly becomes asynchronous, and local mechanisms of control of the hair cycle predominate. However, systemic modulation of the human hair growth cycle does occur during pregnancy and postpartum. It is also reported that human hair growth does show vestiges of seasonal variation (A. G. Messenger (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:4S-9S). In the mouse, the first follicles to appear during embryogenic development are those of the vibrissa on the snout. Of the pelage follicles, up to 30% are initiated prenatally, and the remainder develop within the first few days following birth. Mature murine pelage follicles undergo a hair growth cycle of approximately four weeks duration. The various phases of the hair growth cycle are accompanied by characteristic changes in the thickness of the epidermis, dermis, and adipose layer (D. L. du Cros (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:106S-113S).

[0068] Numerous factors may be involved in regulating the proliferation of hair follicle matrix cells, and control the hair growth cycle. For example, various growth factors, steroid hormones, dermo-epithelial interaction, and the immune system have been implicated. An increased vascularity in the dermis is known to stimulate hair growth (J. R. Matias, et al. (1989) Arch. Dermatol. Res. 281:247-253).

[0069] Growth factors are secretory molecules, generally polypeptides, which mediate intercellular communication in metazoans. Thus, various growth factors have been implicated in the control of complex processes occurring during embryogenic development and in tissue repair and regeneration (J. Massague (1990) Annu. Rev. Cell Biol. 6:597-641). In addition, most of the major growth factor families and their receptors have been implicated in regulating skin cell function, including for example: epidermal growth factor (EGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), and insulin-like growth-1 (IGF-1)(see A. G. Messenger (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:4S-9S; D. L. du Cros (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:106S-113S and references cited therein). Furthermore, several growth factors have been implicated in hair follicle morphogenesis and/or control of hair growth, including EGF (D. L. du Cros (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:106S-113S; A. G. Messenger, J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:4S-9S; M. P. Philpott, et al. (1990) J. Cell Science 97:463-471), FGF (D. L. du Cros (1993) ibid.), and KGF (G. F. Pierce, et al. (1994) J. Exp. Med. 179:831-840), and TGF-β (A. G. Messenger (1993) ibid.; M. P. Philpott, et al. (1990) ibid.).

[0070] Studies of the induction of hair follicle development and of the hair growth cycle have been hampered, in part, by the lack of suitable in vivo animal models, and by the paucity of appropriate in vitro experimental systems. Numerous species and strains of animals have been used to investigate the hair growth process in vivo and/or to simulate human alopecia. Most studies have focused on either new-born or weanling rats and mice, genetically impaired or mutated mice, or stump-tailed macaque monkeys.

[0071] Members of a macaque species native to S. E. Asia, which show a balding pattern similar to that associated with human androgenetic alopecia, were used by Brigham et al. to study the effect of topical minoxidil on the balding process analyzed by folliculogram (P. A. Brigham, et al. (1988) Clinics in Dermatology 6:177-187). A. M. Hussein et al. (A. M. Hussein, et al. (1990) Science 24:1564-1566) used young (6-8 day old) rats, treated with cytosine arabinoside, doxorubicin or cyclophosphamide, as a model for chemotherapy induced alopecia (A. M. Hussein, et al. (1990) Science 24:1564-1566). A mutant strain of the mouse which expressed androgen-dependent baldness was developed by Matias et al. as a model of androgenetic alopecia (J. R. Matias, et al. (1989) Arch. Dermatol. Res. 281:247-253). Kligman used a hairless mouse strain as a model for evaluating hair growth promoters (L. H. Kligman (1988) Clinics in Dermatology 6:163-168). Neonatal mouse skin was used by du Cros (D. L. du Cros (1993) Developmental Biology 156:444-453) to investigate the influence of FGF in the development and cycling of murine hair follicles (D. L. du Cros (1993) Developmental Biology 156:444-453). The role of cyclosporin in hair growth was investigated by A. Gilhar et al. using human split-thickness skin grafts which were transplanted to nude rats (A. Gilhar, et al. (1990) Dermatologica 181:117-121), or to nude mice (A. Gilhar, et al. (1991) Acta Derm. Venereol. (Stockh) 71:327-330).

[0072] In vitro models include culture of excised, intact, human anagen hair follicles (M. P. Philpott, et al. (1990) J. Cell Science 97:463-471); organ culture of human hair follicles in serum-free medium (R. Imai, et al. (1993) Arch. Dermatol. Res. 284:466-471); and the use of a collagen matrix system during culture of a heterogeneous preparation of murine hair follicles, or co-culture of murine hair follicle buds with immortalized rat vibrissa dermal papilla cells (S. H. Yuspa, et al. (1993) J. Investig. Dermatol. 101:27S-32S). All of the experimental models described above have one or more significant disadvantages and/or limitations to their use and effectiveness in studying mammalian skin differentiation and hair growth.

[0073] The present invention demonstrates cyanoacrylates as strong hair growth stimulators that can avoid the shortcomings of earlier procedures. The adhesive properties of certain cyanoacrylate esters was discovered by Coover in 1959 (H. W. Coover, et al. (1959) J. Soc. Plast. Eng. 15:5). Over the past two decades cyanoacrylates, in particular n-butyl cyancacrylate and iso-butyl cyanoacrylate, have been widely used in surgery as tissue adhesives and as wound coverings (M. L. Ronis, et al. (1984) Laryngoscope 94:210-213; S. Sabanathan (1993) Eur. J Cardiothorac. Surg. 7:657-660; A. B. Leahey, et al. (1993) Ophthalmology 100:173-180). N-butyl cyanoacrylate has been used in more than one thousand eye surgeries and larynx repairs (see, for example, A. B. Leahey, et al. (1993) Ophthalmology 100:173-180, and references cited therein). Various formulations of cyanoacrylate (as the Nexaband^R family of products, Tri-Point Medical, Raleigh, N.C.) are widely used in veterinary medicine as wound dressings.

[0074] The present invention provides for skin differentiation, hair follicle development, melanogenesis, and hair shaft elongation in adult mammals following treatment with a trichogenic composition. Several in vitro systems for investigating hair follicle growth exist, focusing on cell proliferation or hair shaft elongation, but not new follicle morphogenesis (S. Arase, et al. (1990) J. Dermatol. 17:667-676; R. Imai, et al. (1993) Arch. Dermatol. Res. 284:466-471; R. M. Philpott, et al. (1990) J. Cell Science 97:463-471). The invention is unique in providing the de novo differentiation and development of fully functional hair follicles in adult mammals.

[0075] Any of several laboratory animals may be used in conjunction with the present invention including, but not limited to, the Sprague-Dawley strain of rat, and the following strains of mice: C57BL/KsJ +/+, C57BL/KsJ db/+, C57BL/KsJ db/db, Balb/cBYj +/+, Balb/cBYj nu/+, HRS/J Hr/+, and RHJ LeJ hr^rh-j/+. Hair growth was profoundly stimulated locally in response to a single topical application of a formulation of a functional group derivative of a carboxylic acid. For example, a trichogenic formulation comprising an esterified derivative of acrylic acid may be used. In a preferred embodiment a formulation of butyl cyanoacrylate is found to be effective. Either a formulation of n-butyl cyanoacrylate or a formulation of iso-butyl cyanoacrylate may be used. In each case, the butyl cyanoacrylate is formulated with a suitable stabilizer to prevent spontaneous polymerization.

[0076] Preparations of a trichogenic composition comprising a functional group derivative of a carboxylic acid which is labile or tends to polymerize may be formulated with a suitable stabilizer to inhibit or delay chemical change to the active ingredient. In the case of n-butyl cyanoacrylate and iso-butyl cyanoacrylate, effective stabilizers are dibutyl sebacic acid and methyl hydroquinone, respectively.

[0077] Compositions comprising a functional group derivative of a carboxylic acid, with or without a suitable stabilizer, may be formulated with a suitable carrier material or diluent. Carriers may be used as an aid in application of the active ingredient to the treatment site or to dilute the active ingredient to provide an appropriate dose. Examples of suitable carriers include various oils, including various vegetable oils and mineral oils, waxes, and various organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and acetone. The list is not inclusive.

[0078] Suitable carriers may also comprise ingredients commonly used in the cosmetics industry. Thus physiologically acceptable carriers may be solids or liquids and may include solvents, diluents, humectants, and emollients. Such carriers may be used singly or in combination. Suitable carriers may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

[0079] Solvents and diluents, for example,

[0080] castor oil,

[0081] ethylene glycol monobutyl ether,

[0082] diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,

[0083] dimethyl formamide,

[0084] corn oil,

[0085] dimethyl sulfoxide,

[0086] mineral oil,

[0087] soybean oil,

[0088] tetrahydrofuran,

[0089] Emollients, for example,

[0090] cetyl palmitate,

[0091] dimethylpolysiloxane,

[0092] glyceryl monoricinoleate,

[0093] glyceryl monostearate,

[0094] isobutyl palmitate,

[0095] isocetyl stearate,

[0096] isopropyl palmitate,

[0097] isopropyl stearate,

[0098] butyl stearate,

[0099] isopropyl laurate,

[0100] hexyl laurate,

[0101] decyl oleate,

[0102] di-n-butyl sebacate,

[0103] isopropyl myristate,

[0104] lanolin,

[0105] lauryl lactate,

[0106] mink oil,

[0107] palmitic acid,

[0108] polyethylene glycol,

[0109] stearic acid,

[0110] sesame oil,

[0111] coconut oil,

[0112] arachis oil,

[0113] castor oil,

[0114] mineral oil,

[0115] isostearic acid,

[0116] palmitic acid,

[0117] isopropyl linoleate,

[0118] lauryl lactate,

[0119] myristyl lactate,

[0120] decyl oleate,

[0121] myristyl myristate,

[0122] Formulation of the active ingredient for application to skin under the invention can also include ingredients to preserve the components of the formulation of the active ingredient and to prevent proliferation of microorganisms Preservation by the inclusion of chemical preservatives and water activity depressants are well known in the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. Components of the formulation can be preserved by the inclusion of a suitable concentration of a chemical preservative, such as benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, propionic acid, and C1 to C4 esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The composition can also be preserved by the inclusion of a water activity depressant in an amount sufficient to depress the water activity (a_w) value to <0.9, more preferably to <0.85. Examples of water activity depressants include sorbitol, propylene glycol, sugars, and alkali metal salts, including carboxylates, halides, and sulfates.

[0123] The active ingredient plus stabilizer may be soluble or insoluble in a liquid carrier. If the active ingredient and stabilizer compound are both soluble in the carrier, the carrier acts as solvent for the active ingredient. If the active ingredient and stabilizer are both insoluble in the carrier, they are dispersed in the carrier by means of, for example, a suspension, emulsion, gel, cream or paste, and the like. A preferred form of carrier, solvent or diluent for the active ingredient is in the form of an oil, including either light or heavy mineral oil. Vegetable oils, such as oils obtained from any of corn, sunflower, safflower, soybean, canola, and the like, may also be used.

[0124] Delivery of the formulation may also be via a slow-release mechanism, such as a dermal patch, or other mechanism well known in the art (see, for example, M. A. Longer & J. R. Robinson (1990) in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, ed. by A. R. Gennaro, Mack Publishing Co.).

[0125] The trichogenic composition may also be formulated with an anti-inflammatory agent, for example an antihistamine. Alternatively, the subject may be treated with an anti-inflammatory material following treatment with the trichogenic agent.

[0126] The above list of carrier materials and methods for drug delivery is not meant to be exhaustive, but is presented merely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will realize that conventional carrier materials and drug delivery mechanisms may be used within the scope of the invention.

[0127] In the present invention, increased hair growth is readily observed in mammals following treatment with the formulation known as Nexaband^R Liquid (Tri-Point Medical, Raleigh, N.C.). This composition is comprised of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (>85%), sebacic acid dibutyl ester (ca. 15%), as an inhibitor of spontaneous polymerization or stabilizer, and a small amount of a blue, FDA-approved dye. The mammals here are a rat and multiple strains of mice. In subsequent tests, the application of Nexaband^R Liquid gave a universal, consistent and strong response: manifest as greatly increased hair growth at the site of application. The application here means, but is not limited to, the following situations: topical application on the intact surface of normal skin; topical application on the intact surface of the skin of mammals that are systemically pre-treated with anticancer drugs (and thereby hair regrowth and/or melanogenesis metabolism is inhibited); application to a full-thickness incisional or excisional wound; and application to the dermis layer by subcutaneous injection.

[0128] The trichogenic effect of n-butyl cyanoacrylate is at least twofold: 1) existing hair follicles are stimulated to grow hair at an accelerated rate, and 2) development of hair follicles is induced de novo. Induced hair follicles subsequently mature and produce terminal hairs. These findings are unexpected and surprising to us, because popular opinion dictates that hair follicle development only occurs during pre- and neo-natal periods and not in the adult. Nevertheless, all of the morphogenetic events related to pre-natal hair follicle development are accomplished by our invention.

[0129] Application of a formulation of iso-butyl cyanoacrylate, containing trace amounts (about 0.01%) of monomethyl hydroquinone as stabilizer, gave a positive response in the form of increased hair growth in, for example, several strains of mice. The response to iso-butyl cyanoacrylate in mice and rats was very similar to the response of hair growth induced by n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

[0130] In contrast, the stabilizer, sebacic acid dibutyl ester, the surgical adhesive Rezifilm^R (which contains methyl acrylate), and the adhesive Weldwood^R were not effective in stimulating hair growth. Similarly, 2% minoxidil (Rogaine^R, The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.), applied topically once daily for 20 days in an amount of 20 μl cm⁻², was not effective in inducing hair growth.

[0131] These observations show that the chemical structure responsible for the observed effects is that of a functional group derivative of a cyanocarboxylic acid. Thus, active ingredients useful in the practice of this invention are broadly delineated by the formula: 1

[0132] wherein R is an ester, an amide, an alkyl amide, a dialkyl amide, an alkoxyalkylamide, an anhydride, a halide, a nitrile, or an amino group; and R² is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl.

[0133] Preferably, R is an ester of C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or mono- or poly- alkoxyalkyl, an alkyl amide of C₁-C₂₀, a dialkyl amide of C₁-C₂₀, an alkoxyalkylamide, an anhydride of C₁-C₂₀, a halide, a nitrile, or an amino group; and R² is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the active ingredient is a functional group derivative of an unsaturated cyanocarboxylic acid with the general formula: 2

[0135] wherein R is an ester of C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or mono- or poly-alkoxyalkyl, an alkyl amide of C₁-C₂₀, a dialkyl amide of C₁-C₂₀, an alkoxyalkylamide, an anhydride of C₁-C₂₀, a halide, a nitrile, or an amino group; and R² is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, or H.

[0136] More preferably, the functional group derivative of a cyano-carboxylic acid is an unsaturated cyanocarboxylic acid ester of the formula: 3

[0137] wherein R is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, or mono- or poly- alkoxyalkyl; and R² is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, or H. Most preferably, R² is H, and R is a C4 alkyl radical. Thus the most preferred cyanoacrylate ester is a butyl cyanoacrylate, either n-butyl cyanoacrylate: 4

[0138] or isobutyl cyanoacrylate: 5

[0139] Thus R groups (in the second formula on p 36) under the invention may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

[0140] alkyl groups, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl;

[0141] cycloalkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl;

[0142] alkenyl groups such as propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl;

[0143] alkynyl groups such as propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl;

[0144] aryl groups such as phenyl, biphenyl;

[0145] monoalkoxyalkyl groups such as ethoxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl;

[0146] polyalkoxyalkyl groups such as (ethoxyethyl)n;

[0147] alkyl amide groups such as N-propyl, N-butyl;

[0148] a dialkyl amide group such as N-dibutyl; and

[0149] an alkoxyalkylamide, such as N-ethoxyethyl.

[0150] According to one aspect of the invention, a trichogenic composition applied to skin under the invention may comprise mixtures of two or more cyanocarboxylic acid derivatives.

[0151] Compounds suitable for use in the present invention include:

[0152] ethoxyethyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0153] butoxyethyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0154] n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0155] isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0156] n-propyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0157] isopropyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0158] n-hexyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0159] isohexyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0160] cyclohexyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0161] benzyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0162] glycerol 2-cyanoacrylate

[0163] ethoxybutyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0164] n-pentyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0165] isopentyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0166] n-heptyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0167] isoheptyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0168] n-octyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0169] isooctyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0170] n-nonyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0171] isononyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0172] n-decyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0173] isodecyl 2-cyanoacrylate

[0174] n-butyl 2-cyano-3-methoxyacrylate

[0175] isobutyl 2-cyano-3-methoxyacrylate

[0176] n-butyl 2-cyano-3-phenylacrylate

[0177] isobutyl 2-cyano-3-phenylacrylate

[0178] n-butyl-2-cyano-2-butenoate

[0179] isobutyl-2-cyano-2-butenoate

[0180] n-butyl-2-cyano-2-pentenoate

[0181] isobutyl-2-cyano-2-pentenoate

[0182] n-butyl-2-cyano-2-hexenoate

[0183] isobutyl-2-cyano-2-hexenoate

[0184] n-butyl-2-cyano-2-heptenoate

[0185] isobutyl-2-cyano-2-heptenoate

[0186] n-butyl-2-cyano-2-octenoate

[0187] isobutyl-2-cyano-2-octenoate

[0188] n-butyl-2-cyano-2-nonenoate

[0189] isobutyl-2-cyano-2-nonenoate

[0190] n-butyl-2-cyano-2-decenoate

[0191] isobutyl-2-cyano-2-decenoate

[0192] N-propyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0193] N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0194] N-pentyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0195] N-hexyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0196] N-heptyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0197] N-octyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0198] N-nonyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0199] N-decyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0200] N-benzyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0201] N-cyclohexyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0202] N-ethoxyethyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0203] N-ethoxypropyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0204] N-ethoxybutyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0205] N-ethoxypentyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0206] N-ethoxyhexyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0207] N-ethoxyheptyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0208] N-ethoxyoctyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0209] N-ethoxynonyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0210] N-ethoxydecyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0211] N-propoxyethyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0212] N-propoxypropyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0213] N-propoxybutyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0214] N-propoxypentyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0215] N-propoxyhexyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0216] N-propoxyheptyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0217] N-propoxyoctyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0218] N-propoxynonyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0219] N-propoxydecyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0220] N-butoxyethyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0221] N-butoxypropyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0222] N-butoxybutyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0223] N-butoxypentyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0224] N-butoxyhexyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0225] N-butoxyheptyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0226] N-butoxyoctyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0227] N-butoxynonyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0228] N-butoxydecyl-2-cyanoacrylamide

[0229] Compounds which may prove useful in the practice of the invention include:

[0230] n-butyl 2-cyano-3-aminoacrylate

[0231] isobutyl 2-cyano-3-aminoacrylate

[0232] thio-n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylic acid

[0233] thio-isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylic acid

[0234] thio-n-propyl-2-cyanoacrylic acid

[0235] thio-isopropyl-2-cyanoacrylic acid

[0236] thio-n-pentyl-2-cyanoacrylic acid

[0237] thio-isopentyl-2-cyanoacrylic acid

[0238] 1-cyano-2-propenyl butyl sulfoxide

[0239] 1-cyano-l-propenyl butyl sulfoxide

[0240] 1-cyano-ethyl butyl sulfoxide

[0241] 2-cyanoaniline

[0242] 2-amino-3-cyanotoluene

[0243] 2,4-diamino-3-cyanotoluene

[0244] 2-butyl-5-cyano-1,4-benzoquinone

[0245] 2-cyano-1,4-benzoquinone

[0246] 2-amino-3-cyano-1,4-benzoquinone

[0247] 2-butyl-6-cyano-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one

[0248] 5,6-dihydro-2-oxo-2-H-pyran-3-carbonitrile

[0249] 5-hydro-6-methyl-2-oxo-2-H-pyran-3-carbonitrile

[0250] 5,6,7-trihydro-2-oxo-3-oxepin-carbonitrile

[0251] The dosage of a trichogenic composition under the invention required for stimulation of hair growth depends on the species of the subject animal, as well as the age, gender, and overall condition of the subject, and the degree and cause of the alopecia or injury to hair-bearing skin. Dosage also depends on the potency of the active ingredient, its formulation, and mode of application. Consequently, a precise dosage for each type of treatment is not given; instead appropriate dosage can be determined by the experimentalist or caregiver by routine experimentation, for example, using one or more animal systems as described herein. Dosages and associated regimens are routine in the art. This process can be performed for any mammal and, if necessary, for each recipient prior to a full dose application. The composition can be simply applied to the skin surface and need not be rubbed into the skin. In certain situations it may be desirable to apply the composition by spraying it over a larger skin surface. Such a spraying might be a preferable approach to application if the mammals are animals such as sheep, (improved fleece yield), cattle (improved leather), or valuable fur animals such as minks, etc . . . .

[0252] One approach involves applying a composition which includes a cyanocarboxylic acid derivative and a vehicle for that cyanocarboxylic acid derivative. The ratio of amounts of these can begin with a composition of 0.0001% by weight of cyanocarboxylic acid derivative and 99.999% of the vehicle for that derivative and the results observed over a period of days. Then, the relative percentage by weight of cyanocarboxylic acid derivative versus the vehicle is increased until the desired result within the desired time frame.

[0253] In general, an effective dose of topically applied trichogenic composition per unit area of skin depends on the active ingredient and its formulation. In the case of butyl cyanoacrylate, the dose of active ingredient per unit area of skin surface which is effective in stimulating hair growth ranges from about 1 μg cm⁻² to about 20 mg cm⁻². More preferably the dose of butyl cyanoacrylate is in the range from about 10 μg cm⁻² to about 20 mg cm⁻². Most preferably the dose of butyl cyanoacrylate is in the range from about 5 mg cm⁻² to about 20 mg cm⁻².

[0254] In other situations it might be preferable to add the composition to shampoo—for animals or even humans. The amount to be added to the shampoo varies depending on the amount of hair growth activity desired. For example, if a significant amount of hair growth is desired the relative amount of the composition would be greater than if the rate of hair growth is to be maintained. The various shampoos would then indicate the level of strength.

C. Experimental

[0255] C.1 Cutaneous Changes Associated with the Application of a Trichogenic Composition Comprising n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

[0256] The dorsal aspect of C57BL/KsJ db/+ female mice was shaved and a single topical dose of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (formulated as Nexaband^R Liquid) was applied. Within six hours of application a slight thickening of the treated skin was observed. The response correlates temporally with inflammation in the dermis and subcutaneous layer; the keratin becomes irregular and the epithelial layer shows signs of intermittent disruption; inflammatory cell infiltrate can be seen in the dermis, and new aggregates of cells are found in the subcutaneous layer. At this early stage some of these new aggregates form laminae and appear to constitute neo-angiogenesis. At day 1 post application, the gross appearance of inflammation was still apparent, and there was microscopic evidence for the formation of a lumen from an aggregate of cells in the subcutaneous layer. At day 2 post application, an aggregate of cells constituting a lumen in the subcutaneous layer was shown to be positive for vimentin (indicating mesenchymally derived cells). At day 3 post application, evidence of trichogenesis was clearly seen at the treatment site: the epidermis was multilayered and multiple complex epidermal projections appeared to constitute hair follicle anlage (FIG. 1). These changes were only observed in the treated area. At day 10 post application, microscopic observation showed that the new epithelial pegs had developed into mature hair follicles (in anagen (active) phase)(FIG. 2). Between eight and 12 days post application, hair follicles and new hair were present at the sites of application; the remainder of the shaved area remained hairless. Epidermal and dermal thickening and new hair follicle development in treated skin were pronounced until days 10-20 post application (FIGS. 3A-3B), at which time large mature hair follicles traversed the entire thickness of the dermis and subcutaneous layer (FIG. 3C). Hair follicle density reached a maximum level at about days 20-30 post application, at which time the epithelium and connective tissue elements began to return to their pre-treatment appearance (FIGS. 4A-4B).

[0257] At the gross level, the hair growth in the shaved treated area occurs at 8-12 days and reaches full length at about 14-20 days post treatment, however, the remainder of the shaved untreated area remains hairless and the hair follicles small (in telogen (resting) phase)(5A-5B). The response of hair growth to the n-butyl cyanoacrylate stimulus is very similar in 6 other strains of mice (C57BL/KsJ +/+, C57BL/KsJ db/db, Balb/cBYj +/+, Balb/cBYj nu/+, HRS/J hr/+, and RHJ/LeJ hr^rh-j/+) (FIGS. 6A-6C) and Sprague Dawley rats (FIGS. 7A-7B). The hair growth rate in the fastest growth period (at about 10-15 days post treatment) reaches 1 mm per day. This is entirely consistent with the microscopically observed stimulation of hair follicles following treatment.

[0258] The evidence at both micro- and macro-levels demonstrates that the net effect of the treatment of skin with n-butyl cyanoacrylates is induction of de novo development of new hair follicles and a shift in the hair growth cycle from telogen to anagen.

[0259] C.2 Induction of Hair Follicles by Subdermal Application of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate in vivo.

[0260] The effect of n-butyl cyanoacrylate on the dermis is shown as follows. An incisional, full-thickness wound, about 2 cm long was made through the dorsal skin of five mice (strain C57BL/KsJ db/+). A single dose of about 10 mg of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (in 10 μl of Nexaband^R Liquid) was applied to the bottom of the wound, and the wound closed with two surgical clips. Control animals which received 10 μl of phosphate buffered saline (PBS: 0.144 g/l KH₂PO₄, 9.0 g/l NaCl, 0.795 g/l Na₂HPO₄.7H₂O; pH 7.2) were processed identically. During the period of 1-90 days post application, the effect of n-butyl cyanoacrylate treatment was examined by macroscopic observation. Histological effects were observed by folliculogram: skin samples containing treated and untreated areas were harvested, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm, and stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin or Masson trichrome in preparation for microscopic examination.

[0261] In a group of five C57BL/KsJ db/+ mice, a full-thickness excisional wound was made with a biopunch (6 mm diameter) on the dorsal skin. A single dose of 9 mg of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (in 10 μl of Nexaband^R Liquid) was applied to the bottom of the wound, and the wound was left open. Control animals which received 10 μl of PBS were treated identically.

[0262] In another example, 20 μl of n-butyl cyanoacrylate was applied subdermally by subcutaneous injection to a group of C57BL/KsJ db/+ mice.

[0263] Application of n-butyl cyanoacrylate to incisional and excisional wounds stimulated hair growth along the wound margin (FIGS. 8A-8C). Moreover, microscopic examination revealed that subdermal treatment by application to a full thickness incisional or excisional wound induced de novo hair follicle formation in the subcutaneous adipose layer, in the dermis, as well as in the wound site (FIG. 8B). In each case, new hair follicles subsequently grow in the wound site through what would normally be scar devoid of skin appendages as shown in FIG. 8C, indicating an additional advantage is that the de novo hair follicle development in wound site accelerates the process of wound remodelling (normalizing). The direct delivery of n-butyl cyanoacrylate into subcutaneous layer by subcutaneous injection also induces de novo hair follicle formation and the thickening of full-thickness skin, compared to the untreated site (FIG. 9). In the above three cases, the phenomenon that the farther the distance from the treated site is, the fewer and the smaller the hair follicles are, again demonstrating the localized nature of the effect of n-butyl cyanoacrylate on hair growth

[0264] C.3 The Stimulation of Hair Growth by n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate in Mice Previously Treated with Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin

[0265] The induction of hair loss following treatment with certain anticancer drugs, such as cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin, is well documented (A. Tierney & J. Taylor (1991) Nurs. Stand 5:29-31; R. R. Love, et al. (1989) Cancer 63:604-612; B. W. Cline (1984) Cancer Nurs. 7:221-228). The following experiment was performed to determine the effect of n-butyl cyanoacrylate on hair regrowth in mice pre-treated with cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin. Twenty mice of strain C57BL/KsJ db/+ were peritoneally injected with either cyclophosphamide in PBS (20 mg per kilogram of body weight) or Doxorubicin in PBS (2 mg per kilogram of body weight) for 10 consecutive days. Then a single 10 μl dose of n-butyl cyanoacrylate was applied topically to an area of the shaved dorsum of each animal. Control mice, which were injected with PBS alone, were treated similarly. The effects of hair regrowth were determined both by phototrichogram (macroscopic observation using photography) and by folliculogram (microscopic observation of histological changes in the treated and untreated skin).

[0266] All mice pre-treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and PBS showed rapid hair regrowth in the areas where n-butyl cyanoacrylate was applied: beginning at 8-11 days and growing to full length at 15-18 days post treatment with n-butyl cyanoacrylate. In contrast, in the adjacent skin not treated with n-butyl cyanoacrylate in the groups pre-treated with cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin, hair regrowth did not occur until 80 days after the beginning of the experiment (FIGS. 10A-10B). In the animals pre-treated with cyclophosphamide, lack of pigmentation was observed in the new hair growth as well as in the skin of the untreated hairless area. The new hair occurred only in the areas treated with n-butyl cyanoacrylate and remained until the mice were sacrificed 335 days after treatment with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (FIG. 10C). This is a good indicator that the hairs induced by n-butyl cyanoacrylate are persistent and join into the last pelage. Thus the dual treatment with cyclophosphamide and n-butyl cyanoacrylate together can be used to study the mechanism of the melanogenesis metabolism, the prevention and the treatment of various diseases of abnormal pigmentation metabolism.

[0267]

[0268] C.4 The Effect of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Treatment on Hair Growth in ex vivo

[0269] The studies on induction of hair follicle or elongation of hair shaft with organ culture methods are well documented (R. F. Oliver (1970) J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol. 23:219-236; C. A. B. Jahoda (1992) Development 115:1103-1109; C. A. B. Jahoda & A. J. Reynolds (1993) J. Investg. Dermatol. 101:33S-38S). In those studies, the elongation of the hair shaft is too short and required microscopic observation. The following experiment was performed to determine how strong the effect of n-butyl cyanoacrylate on hair growth was in the condition of organ culture and if the hair growth was visible.

[0270] The shaved dorsal skin of mice (C57BL/KsJ db/+ and C57BL/KsJ db/db) was treated with n-butyl cyanoacrylate by a single topical application at a dose of 10 mg cm². One hour later, the skin (0.5×1.0 cm) containing both treated and untreated areas was excised, rinsed in PBS, cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, Md.) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (HyClone Laboratories, Logan, Utah) at an atmosphere of 95% O2 and 5% CO2, 37° C. Hair growth was recorded by macroscopy. Hair growth in the treated area was observed at days 7-12 post treatment and lasted to the end of the experiment (at day 25 post treatment); the untreated area remained hairless (FIG. 11).

[0271] C.5 The Effect of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Treatment on Growth Factor Activity in Skin Extracts

[0272] A single topical application of 20 mg of n-butyl cyanoacrylate was made to an area of shaved skin on the dorsum of strain C57BL/KsJ db/+ mice. At days 10 and 20 post-treatment, skin samples were excised from treated areas. Skin tissue was frozen in dry ice, minced, homogenized in ice-cold PBS, and centrifuged at 15,000 g for 30 minutes at 4° C. The protein concentration of supernatants was adjusted to 1.0 mg/ml by the BioRad assay procedure (BioRad Laboratories, Richmond, Calif.). Skin samples from untreated areas of the same strain were harvested and processed identically. Mouse serum albumin was prepared at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml in PBS as a control. An aliquot of each supernatant extract was fractionated according to size with a nominal 30 kilo Dalton (kDa) cutoff, and the low molecular weight fraction (≦30 kDa) was included in the fibroblast cell proliferation assay, as follows.

[0273] The supernatant extracts from treated and untreated skin samples, and mouse serum albumin control, were added to a quartet of wells in a 96 well plate, and 2-fold serially diluted 11 times. NIH/3T3 fibroblasts (ex American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md.) were harvested at about 80% confluence, seeded into each well at a density of 5,000 cells per well, and supplemented with serum-free assay medium (QBSF 56, Quality Biological Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.). Cell proliferation was determined according to the protocol of the CellTitre 96 Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay (Promega, Madison, Wis.). The results (FIGS. 12A-12B) indicated that protein extracts of treated skin were more active in stimulating proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells, as compared with the protein extract of untreated skin. The extract from skin harvested at 20 days post-treatment was more active than the extract from skin harvested at 10 days post-treatment. In contrast, the low molecular weight fraction of both treated and untreated skin, comprising proteins of 30 KDa or less, showed no discernible effect on cell proliferation. This indicates that component(s) of treated skin which are active in the cell proliferation assay have molecular weights in excess of 30 KDa. The control protein preparation of mouse serum albumin showed no effect on NIH/3T3 cell proliferation.

[0274] C.6 The Relationship between the Dose of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and the Response of Hair Growth

[0275] The effect of n-butyl cyanoacrylate concentration on stimulation of hair growth was investigated as follows. Five mice of each strains C57BL/KsJ db/+ and C57BL/KsJ db/db were shaved on the dorsum, treated with a single topical application of either undiluted Nexaband^R Liquid (containing about 10 mg of n-butyl cyanoacrylate per 10 μl), or Nexaband^R Liquid diluted to 50% or 25% with vegetable oil. Hair growth was macroscopically scored at 49, 61 and 86 days after treatment. All animals treated with undiluted Nexaband^R Liquid were rated at the maximum score at all three time points. Nexaband^R Liquid diluted by 50% was less effective in stimulating hair growth than undiluted Nexaband^R, while a 25% dilution was even less effective (Table 1). However, hair growth in the area treated with a 25% dilution was still much greater than in the adjacent untreated area, thereby demonstrating that the effect of the invention on stimulating hair growth is dose-dependent, i.e., adjustable in practical use. 1

[0276] C.7 Influence of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate on Concentration & Localization of Growth Factors in Skin.

[0277] Forty stock female mice of strain C57BL/KsJ db/+ at eight weeks of age were treated with a single dose of n-butyl cyanoacrylate applied topically to the shaved dorsum. Animals were sacrificed at days 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 post-treatment, and skin samples were excised to yield an area of n-butyl cyanoacrylate treated skin together with a contiguous, adjacent sample of untreated skin. In preparation for immunohistochemistry, samples were washed in PBS, fixed in 10% formalin, and secondarily fixed in Bouin's solution prior to paraffin embedding. Multiple 4-5 μm sections were placed on slides pre-coated with 3-aminopropylethoxysilane.

[0278] Antibody detection staining was performed using the avidin/biotin peroxidase complex method (J. M. Elias, M. Margiotta, & D. Gabore (1989) J. Am. Clin. Pathol. 92:62). The following primary antibodies were used: anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody; anti-TGF-β2,3; and anti-EGF receptor.

[0279] Localization of the various growth factors was observed as follows: The overall staining pattern for the presence of TGF-β1 in skin tissue treated topically with n-butyl cyanoacrylate is shown in FIG. 13. Skin treated with n-butyl cyanoacrylate showed a specific spatial and temporal distribution of TGF-β1. TGF-β1 was detected in the sebaceous glands, the epithelial cells of the epidermis, hair follicles, and connective tissues (FIGS. 1A-1B). The intensity of staining for TGF-β1 reached a maximum at day 4 and declined to a relatively low level by day 15 post-treatment. This distribution pattern for TGF-p1 implicates TGF-β1 in the differentiation and development of new hair follicles, and indicates its involvement in regulating the hair growth process. TGF-β1 staining was more intense in connective tissue subjacent to treated skin, as compared with untreated skin. A difference in TGF-β1 distribution was observed between developing and mature hair follicles: staining was fairly uniform throughout epithelial cells of developing follicles, but appears to be confined to the outer root sheath in mature follicles.

[0280] The distribution of TGF-β2,3 and EGF in treated and untreated skin tissues was similar to that for TGF-β1. However, the intensity of TGF-β2,3 stain in the epidermis was greater than that of TGF-β1 throughout the study period. In connective tissue from treatment areas, much less staining activity of EGF-receptor was found as compared with TGF-β1.

[0281] C.8 The Inhibition of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate-Stimulated Hair Growth by Treatment with Anti-TGF-β1-Neutralizing Antibody

[0282] Forty mice of strain C57BL/KsJ db/+ eight weeks old were divided into four equal groups (A-D). The dorsal aspect of the mice were shaved, and five different sites on the dorsum were designated (sites 1-5). Each site was 5-6 mm². Animals of group A were treated topically at sites 1, 2 & 3 with n-butyl cyanoacrylate only (10 μl per site) formulated as Nexaband^R Liquid. Animals of group B were treated topically at sites 1, 2 & 3 with the same dose of n-butyl cyanoacrylate, but sites 1 and 3 subsequently received subcutaneous injections of either anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody (1 μg per g of body weight) in PBS/0.1% BSA (at site 1), or PBS/0.1% BSA as a matched control (at site 3). Group C animals were treated as for Group B except that anti-EGF neutralizing antibody was injected at site 1 instead of anti-TGF-pi. In all groups, site 4 was a shaved area of skin that did not receive any treatment, while site 5 was an area of normal skin that remained unshaved and received no treatment. Group D animals were shaved only and received no treatment.

[0283] Hair regeneration was documented by macroscopic observations supported by serial photographs of treatment sites. Histological observations were made on skin biopsies taken at frequent intervals ranging from 6 hours to 21 days post-treatment.

[0284] Stimulation of hair growth at sites treated with n-butyl cyanoacrylate alone was clearly evident by day 14 at site 2 and 3 in Group B. In contrast, hair growth was much less at site 1 injected with anti-TGF-β1-neutralizing antibody (FIG. 14). After about 15-20 days post-treatment (i.e. at about 10-15 days after antibody injections were discontinued) hair at these sites attained the thickness of that at sites treated with n-butyl cyanoacrylate alone. Little effect was observed following injection of anti-EGF neutralizing antibody. These results implicate TGF-β1 in stimulation of hair growth following treatment with n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

[0285] C.9 Effect of Isobutyl Cyanoacrylate on Hair Growth

[0286] The following experiment was performed to identify the effect of isobutyl cyanoacrylate, a structural analog of n-butyl cyanoacrylate, on hair growth. The shaved backs of C57BL/KsJ db/+ and C57BL/KsJ db/db mice were treated topically at a dose of 10 μl cm⁻² with either isobutyl cyanoacrylate (Sigma Chemical Co., St Louis, Mo.) or n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The hair growth response stimulated by isobutyl cyanoacrylate in both strains was nearly identical to that inducted by n-butyl cyanoacrylate: In treated area many new hair follicles occurred 2-3 days post treatment, hair growth was visible 8-12 days post treatment and reached full length at 15-18 days post treatment; the untreated areas were still hairless (FIG. 15 & Table 2), clearly demonstrating that the cyanoacrylate group in either n-butyl cyanoacrylate or isobutyl cyanoacrylate is the component responsible for hair growth. 2

[0287] C.10 Characteristics of Hair Growth Stimulated by Cyanoacrylate

[0288] Under this invention, two components in the family of cyanoacrylate, n-butyl cyanoacrylate and isobutyl cyanoacrylate, were tested in two species (rat and mouse) and seven strains of mouse(see section C.1) and found to stimulate hair growth in normal intact skin, in intact skin of the animals pre-treated with either of two anticancer drugs, and at the edges of excisional and incisional wounds.

[0289] The hair growth induced by n-butyl cyanoacrylate has the following characteristics:

[0290] 1. A single application of the hair growth stimulator can induce hair follicle shift from telogen to anagen and de novo development of hair follicles, resulting in profound hair growth.

[0291] 2. The reproducibility of hair growth induced by the stimulator at the dose of 10 mg/10 μl cm⁻² is 100% in more than 700 normal adult mice and rats, and 80 genetically healing-impaired diabetic (db/db) animals (FIGS. 5-7).

[0292] 3. The ability of the stimulator to stimulate hair growth is very strong and specific. New hair follicle formation in the treated area occurs as early as 2-3 days after treatment (FIGS. 1A-1B); the skin thickened and the new hair growth can been seen as early as 8-12 days in treated area (FIGS. 2-3); the hair growth rate in the fastest growth period can reach 1 mm per day; and the size of new hair follicles is larger; and the new hairs are more pigmented, more coarse in diameter, and 1-2 mm longer than those in adjacent untreated area (FIGS. 5-8). Hair growth also can be induced ex vivo (FIG. 11), an useful model for studies on mechanisms of hair follicle formation and for tests of the effects of drugs on hair growth.

[0293] 4. The hair growth can be induced even when the melanogenesis metabolism of hairs is severely suppressed by administration of an anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide (FIG. 10). Hair follicle regeneration and active pigment metabolism are closely related to each other and up to now there were no models in vitro or in vivo that could separate the two processes. Therefore, one advantage of this invention is to establish an experimental animal model to study the mechanism of melanogenesis.

[0294] 5. The induced hair is the last pelage of the animals, and no shedding of hair has been found over 210 days in rats and 335 days in mice post treatment. Even in the genetically healing-impaired diabetic mice, hair regrowth in treated areas remains unchanged, but the shaved untreated areas are hairless more than 216 days post treatment. In contrast to this, after a single application of n-butyl cyanoacrylate, the hair keeps regrowing in the treated areas even if the area. is subsequently shaved three times at 20-day intervals.

[0295] 6. The induced hair growth is dose-dependent, i.e., the extent of hair growth varies with the extent of dilution and is adjustable.(Table 1).

[0296] 7. The hair growth response is completely localized to the area where the stimulator is applied. A clear demarcation between treated and untreated skin signals the localized nature of the response. Scanning electron micrography revealed that hair follicles in treated skin were located deeper within the dermis than those in untreated skin (FIG. 5A).

[0297] 8. No any side effect or toxic effect or tumor-like tissue formation after the treatment has been observed except for a mild inflammation shortly after application.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Induction of Hair Follicle Differentiation and Development in Adult Mammals

[0298] The dorsal aspect of C57BL/KsJ db/+ female mice was shaved and a single topical dose of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (formulated as Nexaband^R Liquid) was applied. Beginning at day 2 post treatment, aggregates of cells formed in the adipose tissue of the subcutaneous layer. During subsequent days the number of such cellular aggregations increased. only the outer cells stains positive for vimentin and are presumed to be of mesenchymal origin, consistent with the induction of hair follicles in treated skin by a mechanism similar to that occurring during the neo-natal period.

[0299] The observed development of hair follicles outside the dermis was confirmed above where n-butyl cyanoacrylate was applied to incisional and excisional wounds or injected subdermally.

Example 2

Stimulation of Hair Growth in a Domesticated Animal by Treatment with n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

[0300] A domesticated animal, for example, having undergone hair loss due to disease, cancer chemotherapy, aging, skin parasites, or other causes, is treated with a trichogenically effective formulation of a cyanocarboxylic acid derivative. Following treatment, new, normal terminal hair grows from the treated area. The treatment is repeated as necessary to provide hair growth at the desired level.

Example 3

Localized Induction of Hair Regrowth in Animals Following Injury

[0301] A domesticated animal, having undergone localized trauma to hair-bearing skin is mildly anesthetized, the wound dried, and 10 mg/cm² of n-butyl cyanoacrylate “painted” over the area of the wound. After a few seconds the n-butyl cyanoacrylate polymerizes and no other dressing is required. Within 10 days new hair grows from the healing or healed area.

Example 4

Cyanoacrylate Esters as Cosmetic Products for Show Animals

[0302] Esters of cyanoacrylate are effective as cosmetic products by providing show animals with increased quantity and improved quality of hair growth. Under the invention a physiologically effective formulation of a cyanoacrylate ester is applied topically to the skin of the subject animal, by brushing it to the underlying skin. Alternatively, the physiologically effective formulation may be applied to the coat and underlying skin by means of a spraying device or any other means known in the art. The dose and frequency of the application are varied depending on the nature of the animal and the type of results desired, as will be apparent to the skilled artisan. Following treatment, the coat grows thicker, is more pigmented and appears more healthy; as compared with the coat of a similar but untreated animal.

Example 5

Stimulation of Growth of the Coat of a Domesticated Animal Used as a Commercial Source of Fiber

[0303] A physiologically effective amount of a suitable formulation of a cyanoacrylate ester is applied to an animal used as a commercial source of fiber. Application is effected as described in Example 4. Preferably treatment with cyanoacrylate ester occurs a suitable period of time prior to clipping the coat (e.g. in the case of sheep) or before sacrifice of the animal (e.g. mink). Suitable treatment of animals with an ester of cyanoacrylate improves both the quantity and quality of the fiber which they produce.

Example 6

Treatment of Skin of Domesticated Animals for Improved Leather & Suede Production

[0304] Domesticated animals are treated with a physiologically effective amount of a formulation of an ester of cyanoacrylate, as described in Example 5. Due to the nature of the response of mammalian skin following treatment, only a single application may be required. Preferably the application is made a few days before slaughter. The optimum time for application depends on those considerations well within the grasp of those skilled in the art. This treatment provides superior leather products.

Example 7

Treatment of Alopecia in Humans with an Ester of Cyanoacrylate

[0305] A human patient with a hair loss problem is treated with a topical formulation comprising a trichogenically effective dose of an ester of cyanoacrylate which is applied to the affected area. The formulation is allowed to remain in situ for a period of about 24 hours. Such treatment results in stimulated hair growth within a period of a few days to a few weeks. The application may be repeated as necessary.

Example 8

Treatment of a Incisional or Excisional Wound on a Special Site in Humans

[0306] A human patient with a fresh incisional or excisional wound, or a pre-existed incisional or excisional wound on scalp, the site(s) of mustache, eyebrow, beard, etc., is treated with a topical formulation comprising a trichogenically effective dose of an ester of cyanoacrylate which is applied to the affected area. Such treatment results in stimulated hair growth within a period of a few days to a few weeks, with an additional advantage that the normalizing process of the tissue (remodelling process) of the incisional or excisional wound is accelerated and scar formation is greatly decreased.

[0307] The present invention has been described in various embodiments, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill that many modifications can be made thereto which nevertheless utilize the methods and compositions of the invention as disclosed. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the embodiments presented above.