242 JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE Basic Characterization of Poly(MPC-co-BMA) and Its Application to Hair*- Kunio Shimada**, Yusaku Takita*** NOF Corporation Tsukuba Research Laboratory** Faculty of Engineering, Oita University*** We have synthesized the amphiphilic polymer, poly[2- methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine(MPC-co- butylmethacrylate(BMA)], and clarified its unique properties in comparison with commercial moisturizing agents. In hair care studies, the treatment of hair with poly(MPC-co-BMA) made it smooth and increased its strength and water content. This compound protects hair and skin from damage rather than having a curing effect. Controlling Fibroblast Growth Factors for Hair Growth Regulation* Satoshi Suzuki**, Yutaka Ota**, Kazuo Ozawa***, Tom Imamura*** R&D Department of Dermatological Sciences, POLA Laboratories, POLA Chemical Industries Inc.** Gene Discovery Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)*** Although much research on the process of hair growth has been conducted in recent years, there is still no effective remedy for alopecia today. One reason is the lack of complete understanding of the mechanism of hair loss. Recent studies have revealed that the fibroblast growth factor-5 (Fgf-5) gene affects hair growth regulation. Moreover, it has been discovered that a short form of FGF-5 protein known as FGF-5S is produced by the Fgf-5 gene, but its effects on hair growth regulation have not been reported. We previously reported that FGF-5 and FGF-5S are located respectively in the round macrophage - like cells and hair follicles. The FGF-5-positive cells shill from dermis to panniculus adiposus during the catagen phase of the hair growth cycle, and the production of FGF-5S increases during the later half ofanagen. Ir[ this study, we investigate the effects of FGF-5 and FGF-5S on the hair growth cycle. Through subcutaneous injection of FGF-5 into the dorsal region of mice, we discovered a significant inhibition of hair growth duringanagen and promotion of the transition into catagen. Surprisingly, FGF-5S by itself did not affect hair growth but when combined with FGF-5, it clearly inhibited the catagen- promoting activity of FGF-5. Our experimental results suggest that the FGF-5-positive cells shill to panniculus adiposus during catagen in order to gather around derreal papillae in which the FGF-5 receptor is expressed, and ultimately induce catagen. Clearly, FGF-5S suppresses FGF-5 activity until the onset of catagen, and alopecia is induced when the localization of the FGF-5-positive cells and/or FGF-5S production is disordered. Our results suggest the, interesting possibility that by controlling and balancing the ratio of these two growth factors, a more effective preparation for treating alopecia can be developed. Effect of Aloe arborescens Miller. on Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis by Derreal Fibroblasts* Yoshiko Tsurumi, Shouichi Yahagi, Kei Obayashi, Yuri Okano, Hitoshi Masaki Kobe Research Laboratory, NOEVIR Co., Ltd.** It is well known that characteristic changes in facial appearance, wrinkles and sagging, are caused by aging. It has been considered that the structural changes in derreal matrix is responsible for these changes. Hyaluronic acid is one of the components of the derreal matrix, and plays an important role in moisturizing skin. In aging skin, it has been reported that normal hyaluronic acid is decreased by binding to surrounding protein. This decrease of normal hyaluronic acid might be one of the reasons that elderly people experience decreased water contents in the skin. We focused on the regulation of hyaluronic acid synthesis in human derreal fibroblasts in order to improve the skin condition of elderly subjects. We searched for substances that have an activity to stimulatehyaluronic acid synthesis and chose the four plant extracts. Of the four, we found that Aloe arborescens Miller. extract stimulated hyaluronic acid synthesis most potently. Then, to clear active substances in that Aloe arborescens Miller., each fraction was separated by using column chromatography. It was found that the highest polar fraction potently stimulated hyaluronic acid synthesis. Furthermore, the effective fraction showed an increase of hyaluronan synthase (HAS) 2mRNA expression. Application of Ester Quats as Hair Conditioning Agents* Takuya Okada, Naomi Shirasaki, Tadashi Hara Oleochemicals Research Laboratory, NOF Corporation** Biodegradable quats, such as monoethanol ester diethyl monomethyl ammonium chloride (MEC) anddiethanol ester dimethyl ammonium chloride (DEC) are expected as new ingredients for hair conditioners, while monoalkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAC) and dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DAC) have been widely used as hair conditioning agents. We investigated properties of MEC and DEC (ester quats:EQ) in comparison with MAC and DAC (alkyl quats:AQ) for hair conditioner application. EQ showed good water holding ability and adsorption property on keratin powder compared with corresponding AQ. These results seemed to relate to the ester linkages of EQ. Bending moment of hair treated by AQ was better than that of EQ, however, it was found that DEC is comparable to MAC. The result of sensory evaluation suggested that EQ are possible ingredients for hair conditioners. These findings would promote development of hair conditioners with EQ. Especially, it is considered that DEC is new and unique ingredient for hair conditioner.