Abstract: Objective To observe the histological characteristics of murine hair follicle in distinct hair follicle cycle stage, and to research the function of β-catenin in murine hair follicle cycle by investigating the expression and localization of β-catenin in murine distinct hair follicle cycle stage. Methods HE staining was used to observe the morphology of the murine hair follicle in each stage（EM>n/EM>=90）, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression level and localization of β-catenin protein in distinct hair follicle cycle stage. Results For each stage, stage-specific characteristics were provided in order to classify murine hair follicle cycle. The distribution of β-catenin in murine skin was demonstrated. The positive reaction of β-catenin was detected in epidermis, sebaceous glands, root sheath and dermal papilla. Conclusion The growth of murine hair follicle shows cyclical variation. The expression of β-catenin is significantly different in distinct hair follicle cycle stage suggesting that telogen-to-anagen transition depends on th

Key words: Hair follicle, Growth cycle, β-catenin, Western blotting, Immunohistochemistry, Mouse