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Increased plasma norepinephrine in psoriasis
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Patients with psoriasis have higher levels of circulating norepinephrine. This study measured plasma catecholamines in psoriasis patients and healthy volunteers, finding significant differences in norepinephrine but not epinephrine or dopamine.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Alterations in the sympathetic nervous system may play a role in psoriasis pathogenesis.
- Catecholamines are key neurotransmitters and hormones involved in stress response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma catecholamine levels in patients with psoriasis.
- To compare catecholamine concentrations between psoriasis patients and healthy controls.
- To explore potential links between sympathetic nervous system activity and psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- A standardized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used.
- Free plasma catecholamines were measured.
- The study included 50 adult patients with psoriasis and 18 healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher concentrations of circulating norepinephrine were observed in the psoriasis group (p < 0.005).
- Slight differences were noted in epinephrine and dopamine concentrations between the groups.
- Norepinephrine appears to be the primary catecholamine affected in psoriasis patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma norepinephrine suggests increased sympathetic nervous system activity in psoriasis.
- These findings may indicate a role for the sympathetic nervous system in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.
- Further research into the mechanisms underlying these catecholamine changes is warranted.