Effect of minoxidil on cultured keratinocytes.

Minoxidil has been shown to stimulate hair growth and these studies were undertaken to determine whether the drug had a direct effect on keratinocytes. Cultures of human epidermal cells were treated with minoxidil and it was found that they survived longer than control cultures. In addition, minoxidil prolonged the time that cells could be passed after reaching confluence. The results suggest that minoxidil slows the senescence of keratinocytes, which is similar to what has been found with epidermal growth factor.