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NAD+ dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenate (15-PGDH) catalyses oxidation of 15( S)-hydroxyl group of prostaglandins and as a result inactivates their physiological potential. Positive effects of prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogues were reported on terminal hair, vellus hair or eyelash growth and a complex prostaglandin network was recently described in human hair follicle. In the present study, we showed that 15-PGDH was expressed in human hair follicle mainly in melanocytes and keratinocytes, which brought us to consider this enzyme as a possible target to sustain local prostaglandin production. Using a recombinant enzymatic strategy, specific 15-PGDH inhibitors were screened. We identified a thiazolidine dione derivative exhibiting efficacy on follicular outer root sheath keratinocytes, since it concomitantly decreased the production of deactivated 13,14 dihydro 15-ketoprostaglandin F2α and sustained prostaglandin F2α in vitro production. In the context of recent interest in prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues as hair regrowth agents, we postulated that the use of selected 15-PGDH inhibitors could reinforce or prolong the effect of these physiological mediators on hair and skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A logical precursor of macrocycle C 60 H 6 , cyclophane C 60 H 6 (CO) 12 (1) represents a building block in a possible total synthesis of C 60 . In Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance laser desorption mass spectroscopic experiments in the negative-ion mode, 1 fragments to C 60 H 6 (2) under successive loss of CO. Further loss of six H atoms and rearrangement gives C 60 ions with a fullerenic structure., (© 1998 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Fed. Rep. of Germany.)