THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF THE SKIN DURING THE HAIR CYCLE IN THE WHITE RAT

Abstract

During the cyclic hair growth in the rat, the skin at the conclusion of activity in the hair bulb (age 22 days) is consuming 0.92 cmm. of O2 per mg. of dry tissue per hr. The O2 consumption then gradually increases, and just prior to activity in the hair follicle on the 31st day, the skin is consuming 1.31 cmm. per hr. Oxidative processes do not increase in the skin of underfed animals and the hair does not grow. Increase in oxidative processes or the anabolic phase of metabolism just prior to active growth in the hair bud is. therefore, believed to favor the growth of hair in the normal rat.