Altered expression of the alpha2 laminin chain in psoriatic skin: the effect of treatment with cyclosporin.
The histopathological pattern of psoriasis is characterized by dermal inflammatory reaction and hyperproliferation of the epidermis. The mechanism of the epidermal hyperproliferation is not completely understood, but it is probably modulated by the basal lamina (BL), the alterations of which have not been described. We performed the present study to evaluate the expression of the alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and gamma1 laminin chains and collagen IV in the BL of active psoriasis vulgaris before and after cyclosporin treatment administered until the psoriasis was in remission. The results showed that the alpha2 chain is weak and irregular in the lesions, while the alpha1, beta1 and gamma1 chains and collagen IV are normal, with intense and continuous reaction. In the same subjects, this alteration was absent in skin that was clinically unaffected. After treatment with cyclosporin, the altered expression of the alpha2 chain returned to normal in the healing lesions.
Toti
P
P
Institute of Pathology, University of Siena, Via delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy.
Pellegrino
M
M
Villanova
M
M
Flori
M L
ML
Miracco
C
C
Bartolommei
S
S
Andreassi
L
L
D000328:Adult; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007797:Laminin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007797:Laminin; C102645:laminin alpha 2; D016572:Cyclosporine; D003094:Collagen