An efficient method for eccrine gland isolation from human scalp

Abstract

We describe a simple and efficient method to isolate eccrine sweat glands from the human scalp. This method is inspired by the hair graft harvesting method used in hair transplantation. Based on the recently described anatomical relationship between the scalp hair follicle and the eccrine gland, we have found that scalp follicular unit grafts are an excellent eccrine gland isolation source, especially for the coiled component. In order to make the gland visible for stereoscopic microdissection, the follicular units need to be previously stained with a vital dye like methylene blue or neutral red. The simplicity and efficiency of this isolation method should encourage further research into human eccrine sweat gland function which has always been hindered by the difficulty of gland isolation.