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Effect of human leucocyte interferon on DNA synthesis in human psoriatic skin cultured in diffusion chambers
Abstract:
Pieces of human psoriatic skin were cultured for five days in diffusion chambers implanted intraperitoneally in mice. Partially purified human leucocyte interferon was injected into the experimental animals daily during the culture period. Phosphate buffered saline and, in one experiment, also mock interferon were used as control materials. On the fifth day, incorporation of 3H-thymidine into the epidermal cells was studied autoradiographically. The results showed that human leucocyte interferon does not depress DNA synthesis in human psoriatic epidermal cells cultured by this method. In fact, DNA synthesis seemed to be stimulated in two of the three experiments but the effect was not statistically significant.
Insights
Human leucocyte interferon did not inhibit DNA synthesis in psoriatic skin cells. Studies suggest potential, though not statistically significant, stimulation of DNA synthesis in these cells.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Interferons are cytokines with diverse biological effects.
- The impact of leucocyte interferon on psoriatic epidermal cell DNA synthesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of human leucocyte interferon on DNA synthesis in human psoriatic epidermal cells.
- To determine if leucocyte interferon inhibits or stimulates cell proliferation in psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Human psoriatic skin explants were cultured in diffusion chambers within mice.
- Animals received daily injections of human leucocyte interferon or control solutions.
- DNA synthesis was assessed on day five using 3H-thymidine incorporation and autoradiography.
Main Results:
- Human leucocyte interferon did not suppress DNA synthesis in cultured psoriatic epidermal cells.
- A trend towards stimulation of DNA synthesis was observed in two of three experiments, but this was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Human leucocyte interferon does not inhibit DNA synthesis in human psoriatic epidermal cells under these experimental conditions.
- Further research is needed to clarify the potential role of leucocyte interferon in modulating psoriatic skin cell proliferation.