Abstract: Objective To establish a simple method for isolating and culturing follicular papilla cells from rat vibrissae.Methods The intact follicles were obtained and digested in 0.2% collagenase I with agitation on a rotary stirrer at 100 r/min at 37 ℃ for 3 h.The suspension was centrifuged at 300 r/min and the papilla cells were collected and suspended in DMEM for cell culture.The adhesion efficiency of the dermal papilla cells was evaluated and compared with that of the cells obtained by microdissection.Results and Conclusion The described procedure allowed efficient and rapid isolation of the dermal papilla cells from rat vibrissae and ensured improved adhesion of the dermal papillae and outgrowth of the cells with reduced labor and risk of contamination.The cells obtained with this procedure were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin staining.