HOXC13 and HSP27 Expression in Skin and the Periodic Growth of Secondary Fiber Follicles from Longdong Cashmere Goats Raised in Different Production Systems.

This experiment was conducted to identify periodic changes in secondary follicles (SFs) over one year of extensive (grazed) and intensive (housed and fed supplement) farming of Longdong cashmere goats. One-year old goats (n = 24, 12 extensively fed and 12 intensively fed) were studied. The diameter, depth, density, activity, and ultra-structural features of SFs were assessed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. HOXC13 and HSP27 expression were studied using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence method. The anagen stage in the extensively grazed goats was from April to September, but was longer (April to October) in the housed, supplementary fed group. The depth and activity of the SF in anagen and catagen differed (P < 0.05) between the groups. HSP27 and HOXC13 protein were present in both the epidermis and dermis, with HSP27 immunoreactivity highest in the hair shaft (HS), outer root sheath (ORS) and inner root sheath (IRS). HOXC13 expression was prominent in both the eprdermis and ORS. HSP27 and HOXC13 expression were prominent during anagen, and less so during catagen and telogen. In anagen, HSP27 expression in the HS, IRS, and ORS of the extensively fed group was higher than in the intensively fed group (p < 0.05). In contrast, HOXC13 expression in HS, IRS and ORS of the extensively fed group was lower than in the intensively fed group (P < 0.05). This suggests the growth of cashmere is influenced by nutrition and that housed goats could be used in cashmere production. Anat Rec, 301:742-752, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.