Table I summarizes the results of immunohistochemical staining of activated caspases 1-10, usurpin and XIAP in normal human hair from the scalp. Tables II and III summarize the results of positive immunoreactivity for men with AGA affected scalp and the same men 6 months after finasteride treatment, respectively. Histological analysis reveals that caspases 1, 3, 8 and 9 are all detected predominately within the isthmic and upper portion of the hair shaft in both normal and AGA patients. All specimens, whether normal or hair loss affected, as well as treated specimens, exhibit the same caspases, however, the levels of expression differ between the groups. In pattern hair loss affected tissues, the expression of caspase 1, 3, 8 and 9 is greater then normal, and after 6 months of finasteride treatment, the expression of caspases decreases, similar to the level found in normal scalp.