Flow cytometric quantification of T6-positive cells in psoriatic epidermis after PUVA and methotrexate therapy.
We describe a flow cytometric technique for measuring the percentage of T6-positive cells in suspensions prepared by trypsinization of human epidermis. The value obtained for healthy controls (1.55 +/- 0.52%) corresponds to about 600 T6-positive cells per mm2 of skin surface, a figure in line with histological estimates. No significant change was found in the percentage of T6-positive cells in either the uninvolved or lesional epidermis of untreated psoriatic patients. PUVA treatment resulted in a significant reduction in T6-positive cells. A cyclic fluctuation in the numbers of T6-positive cells was shown to accompany methotrexate administration on a weekly divided dose schedule.
D004817:Epidermis / Q000473:pathology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000032:analysis; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis
D008727:Methotrexate