2.5. Cysteine uptake assay
The isolated murine anagen follicles were allowed
to adapt in Williams medium E at 37 8C in an atmosphere
of 5% CO2. After 12 h, the A. radix extract
and 1 mCi/ml of L-[35S]cysteine were added to the
cultures. Following incubation for 72 h, the follicles
were washed twice with PBS and then placed individually
into scintillation vials. Each follicle was
dissolved in 200 ml of Soluene 350 (Packard, Meriden,
CT) at 60 8C for 1 h. The level of radioactivity