TGF-β is a family of growth factors. We investigated the involvement of different TGF-isoforms and their receptor during induced hair growth in mice.The model of anagen induction in C57 BL-6 mice has been employed [JID 75 (1991) 122]. Skin samples were taken during the hair cycle at different time points. Formalin-fixed sections have been subjected to immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against TGF-β1, 2, 3, latent TGF-binding protein (LTBP) and TβR-I and II.During anagen and telogen, LTBP and TβR-II were expressed in sebaceous gland epitheliums. During catagen, TβR-II could be vizualized but LTBP immunoreactivity was lost. TβR-I was expressed in early anagen only. In the hair follicle epithelium, immunostaining was limited to the outer root sheath. TGF-β1 was detected in anagen and early catagen, but absent in telogen. TβR-I has been observed during late anagen and early catagen. TGF-β3 was expressed by the connective tissue.These findings for the first time suggest that a bidirectional regulation of hair follicle and sebaceous epithelium is possible. Sebocytes can be considered as a target structure for TGFs since they are capable to express both, TβR-I and -II. It is reasonable to believe that TGF-β functioning as a growth inhibitor may be involved in anagen/catagen switch and regulation of sebaceous gland growth.