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Interferon in suction blister fluid from psoriatic lesions
The British Journal of Dermatology
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Interferon (IFN) is locally produced in psoriatic skin lesions, not significantly in blood. This finding suggests a localized immune response in psoriasis vulgaris, likely involving activated T lymphocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- The role of interferons (IFNs) in psoriasis pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding IFN presence in psoriatic lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the local production of interferon in psoriatic skin lesions.
- To determine if interferon is present in blister fluid from lesional skin of psoriasis patients.
- To compare local IFN levels with systemic IFN levels in serum.
Main Methods:
- Suction blister fluid was obtained from lesional and unaffected skin of psoriasis patients and controls.
- Interferon levels in blister fluid and serum were quantified using bioassays.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare IFN detection rates.
Main Results:
- Interferon was detected in blister fluid from 9/13 psoriasis patients and 2/13 allergic contact dermatitis patients, but not in unaffected skin.
- IFN was detected in only 3/13 sera from psoriasis patients, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.025).
- Evidence suggested the presence of IFN-gamma, with possible IFN-alpha co-occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Interferon is produced locally within psoriatic skin lesions.
- Activated T lymphocytes are the likely source of local IFN production in psoriasis.
- Systemic IFN levels do not accurately reflect local IFN activity in psoriatic lesions.