Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using ImageJ Improves the Efficacy Evaluation of Alopecia Areata Induction in the C3H/HeJ Mouse Model

The study introduced a quantitative, image-based method using the ImageJ system to objectively evaluate hair loss in C3H/HeJ mice with T-cell transfer-induced alopecia areata. This technique involved capturing standardized photos and using semi-automatic threshold color segmentation to quantify hair loss, offering improved accuracy and precision over traditional visual scoring methods. The method's simplicity, use of open-source software, and reproducibility made it a valuable tool for refining alopecia models and enhancing the evaluation of therapeutic strategies in preclinical studies.