title: Studies on the time course of dithranol-induced inflammation by quantification of alkaline phosphatase.
abstract: An inflammatory response of the skin to dithranol-induced free radicals seems to be essential for its clinical efficacy. In normal volunteers this response was evaluated at the level of the microvasculature following 30 min, 2 h and 24 h applications, using a functional parameter (erythema) and a biochemical parameter (alkaline phosphatase). The results of 'short contact' and 24 h applications were similar. In all schedules a maximum erythema was seen 2-3 days after the application which had resolved totally after 6-8 days. A marked discrepancy was established between the duration of functional and biochemical abnormalities; the alkaline phosphatase activity reached a maximum 1 day after the culmination of the erythema and persisted up to at least 7 days after disappearance of the erythema. These findings are discussed in the light of the day-to-day management of psoriasis with dithranol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Timmerman
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Mier
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: van de Kerkhof
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000875:Anthralin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001706:Biopsy; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D000875:Anthralin