Science of Acne Vulgaris: Sympathetic Activation Increases Sebum Production

  • Activation of presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by acetylcholine results in sebogenesis
  • In addition, activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by nicotine or acetylcholine on human skin sebaceous glands increased sebum secretion1
  • Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy resulted in statistically significant improvement in acne (possibly via alterations in the epithelial melanocyte system)2
  • Treatment with AT-52143 decreased the amount of palmar sweat and sebum secretions in patients with hyperhidrosis, which is associated with sympathetic over activation
  • Sympathetic stimuli to the follicular unit (hair follicles, arrector pili muscle and the sebaceous gland) are important mechanisms of sebum production4
  • Increased sebogenesis is a key contributor to acne vulgaris5

  • 1 J. Li et al. / Journal of Dermatological Science 72 (2013) 116–122
  • 2 Kaplan T. Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska 2014; 11 (3): 264-267
  • 3 Atacama clinical study in palmar hyperhidrosis
  • 4 British Journal of Dermatology 2007 157, pp325–330
  • 5 Dermato-Endocrinology 3:1, 41-49; January/February/March 2011; © 2011 Landes Bioscience