Prostaglandin E2 induces vasodilation and pruritus, but no protein extravasation in atopic dermatitis and controls.
BACKGROUND
Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) has well-established vasodilatory effects, whereas its effects on protein extravasation and its sensory effects are less clear.


OBJECTIVE
Vasoactive effects of PGE(2) were correlated to its ability to evoke pain or itch in healthy volunteers and patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).


METHODS
Intradermal microdialysis was used to apply PGE(2) (10(-8)-10(-4) M) via microdialysis capillaries in 8 patients and 8 controls. Large pore size membranes (3000 kd) enabled simultaneous analysis of protein extravasation. Itch and pain sensations were measured psychophysically, and superficial blood flow was measured by laser Doppler imaging.


RESULTS
PGE(2) dose dependently provoked intense local vasodilation, weak pruritus, and pain, but no protein extravasation. No differences were found between patients with AD and controls for any parameter.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that PGE(2) is a potent vasodilator and a weak pruritic agent in normal skin and in patients with AD, but does not provoke increased protein extravasation.
Neisius
Ulrich
U
Department of Dermatology, University of Erlangen/Nürnberg, Universitätstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Olsson
Richard
R
Rukwied
Roman
R
Lischetzki
Grischa
G
Schmelz
Martin
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017551:Microdialysis / Q000379:methods; D011336:Probability; D011537:Pruritus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*
D015232:Dinoprostone