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Increased interstitial histamine concentration in the psoriatic plaque
A L Krogstad1, P Lönnroth, G Larson
1Department of Dermatology, Sahlgren University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|November 5, 1997
Summary
Psoriatic plaques show significantly higher histamine levels in the skin, indicating increased mast cell activity. This suggests histamine release plays a key role in psoriasis inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mast cells in psoriatic plaques are implicated in lesion development via mediator release.
- The interstitial concentration of histamine in psoriatic lesions remains unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify histamine concentration in psoriatic lesions.
- To measure histamine release from involved and uninvolved skin in psoriasis patients.
Main Methods:
- Intracutaneous microdialysis in lesional and nonlesional skin of 23 psoriasis subjects.
- Histamine concentration measured using microdialysis.
- Dermal histamine release estimated via Fick principle, incorporating plasma histamine, blood flow, and microdialysis data.
Main Results:
- Interstitial histamine concentration was significantly higher in lesional skin (32 nmol/L) compared to nonlesional skin (13 nmol/L).
- Dermal histamine release was approximately 10-fold greater in lesional skin versus nonlesional skin.
- Microdialysis recovery for histamine was consistent across both skin types (~76%).
Conclusions:
- Results support the hypothesis of increased histamine secretion by mast cells in psoriatic plaques.
- Elevated histamine levels likely contribute to the immunostimulation and inflammation characteristic of psoriasis lesions.