Abstract
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) infiltration is an important characteristic
in psoriatic lesions. Elevated concentrations of the chemoattractant
eicosanoid leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are present in psoriatic skin. Its
chemotactic activity is mediated via high affinity receptors on PMNL.
The goal of our work was to ascertain whether PMNL infiltration in
psoriasis can be accounted for by functional abnormalities of the
circulating PMNL due to alterations in the LTB4 receptor density
or affinity (or both). No significant difference was found between
patients with psoriasis, healthy controls and patients with another
inflammatory dermatosis (atopic eczema) with regard to the binding
parameters of LTB4 receptors on PMNL. Our findings suggest that PMNL
accumulation in psoriatic skin may be the result of an excess of
cutaneous chemoattractant rather than the increased readiness of
psoriatic PMNL to migrate towards LTB4 due to altered LTB4 receptor
density or affinity.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).