British Journal of Dermatology

HÖNIGSMANN, HERBERT; JASCHKE, ERNA; GSCHNAIT, FRITZ; BRENNER, WILHELM; FRITSCH, PETER; WOLFF, KLAUS

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00014.xpmid: 508604

SUMMARY5‐Methoxypsoralen (5‐MOP, Bergapten) was evaluated as a potential photosensitizing drug in oral photochemotherapy of psoriasis. Treatment results indicate that (1) 5‐MOP is as effective as, and in high doses more effective than, 8‐methoxypsoralen in clearing psoriatic lesions; (2) therapeutic doses of 5‐MOP do not lead to erythema; the acute side‐effects of 8‐MOP PUVA therapy—erythema, blistering, pruritus—are thus avoided; (3) even high doses of 5‐MOP are not followed by nausea. 5‐MOP PUVA therapy thus represents a real alternative to 8‐MOP PUVA, its advantages over 8‐MOP PUVA being greater safety and patient acceptance.

DUBERTRET, L.; AVERBECK, D.; ZAJDELA, F.; BISAGNI, E.; MOUSTACCHI, E.; TOURAINE, R.; LATARJET, R.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00015.xpmid: 389271

SUMMARYThe carcinogenic risk of photochemotherapy (PUVA) with bi‐functional furocoumarins such as 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) which form cross‐links in cellular DNA has initiated a search for active but less hazardous psoralens. A new compound, 3‐carbethoxypsoralen (3‐CPs), studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (eukaryote), has been shown to be very photoactive on DNA and to form only mono‐additions to DNA. These lesions appear to be more easily repaired than the cross‐links induced by 8‐MOP. 3‐CPs produces less nuclear genetic events such as nuclear mutations and mitotic crossovers, but more cytoplasmic ‘petite’ mutations (damage to mitochondrial DNA) than 8‐MOP. In mice it was demonstrated that after local or intra‐peritoneal administration, in contrast to 8‐MOP. 3‐CPs is non‐toxic, non‐erythematogenic, and non‐carcinogenic. A study of ten psoriatic patients has shown that local applications of 3‐CPs plus UV‐A exhibit about the same therapeutic activity for the clearing of psoriatic lesions as local treatment with 8‐MOP plus UV‐A, but without any localized hyperpigmentation.

MORISON, WARWICK L.; PARRISH, JOHN A.; BLOCH, KURT J.; KRUGLER, JOEL I.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00016.xpmid: 315786

SUMMARYThree parameters of immune function—enumeration of circulating T and B lymphocytes and response of lymphocytes to graduated doses of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)—were examined serially in eleven patients with psoriasis before, during, and after an intensive course of PUVA therapy. A trend was detected for the lymphocyte response to PHA to fall during the first week of treatment and then rise back towards the pre‐treatment level. No alteration was found in the percentage or absolute numbers of circulating T and B lymphocytes. This study shows that routine PUVA therapy can induce an alteration in immune function but that this alteration is slight and short‐lived.

BISHOP, SIMONE C.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00017.xpmid: 508605

SUMMARYThe ultraviolet radiation used for PUVA therapy stimulated DNA repair activity in normal human skin and in the uninvolved skin from psoriatic patients. The activity detected by autoradiography increased linearly with exposure time. No stimulation was observed when the UV‐B component was removed from the incident radiation by filtration through glass. Therefore UV‐B damage to DNA was found responsible for the activity detected following exposure to the unfiltered PUVA light source.

GOMMANS, J.M.; BERGERS, MIEKE; VAN ERP, P.E.J.; VAN DEN HURK, JOSÉ J.M.A.; MIER, P.D.; ROELFZEMA, H.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00018.xpmid: 508606

SUMMARYA method is described for the preparation of isolated keratinocytes suitable for subsequent biochemical studies. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the maturation process is accompanied by an increase in cell size and a shortening and eventual loss of microvilli. Psoriatic keratinocytes are distinguishable by exhibiting longer microvilli at all levels of maturation.

GOMMANS, J.M.; BERGERS, MIEKE; VAN ERP, P.E.J.; VAN DEN HURK, JOSÉ J.M.A.; VAN DE KERKHOF, P.; MIER, P.D.; ROELFZEMA, H.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00019.xpmid: 228694

SUMMARYCyclic AMP levels have been determined for the first time in isolated keratinocytes. Values were more reproducible than those reported using epidermal slices. Evidence is presented to show that damage to hormone receptors is minimal.Other observations include the following:1Keratinocytes from psoriatic lesions showed reduced ‘resting’ levels of cyclic AMP as well as a diminished response to adrenaline.2Cyclic AMP levels were maximal in the basal cells, falling dramatically in fully differentiated keratinocytes.3The topical application of a corticosteroid (fluocinolone acetonide) did not modulate the response of adenyl cyclase to hormonal stimulation.

HELANDER, I.; NORDMAN, E.; HÅKKINEN, I.P.T.; TOIVANEN, A.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00020.xpmid: 508607

SUMMARYThe immunological status of seven patients with disseminated melanoma during BCG scarification was followed. As parameters, the total peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, serum immunoglobulin levels, natural ABO blood group antibodies, lymphocyte responses in vitro to PHA and PPD, and skin reactivity against PPD and candidin were followed during a period of 2‐36 months. The EAC‐rosette‐forming cells increased and the E‐rosette‐forming cells decreased during prolonged BCG therapy. The skin reactions and lymphocyte responses showed in most patients conversion from negative to positive or augmentation at the start of the therapy. Later on, however, the values in most patients dropped before disseminated disease became clinically apparent. In the only surviving patient the values first increased, remained high, and after 100 weeks treatment decreased. After 140 weeks'treatment immunological parameters are similar to pre‐treatment levels. The possibility that prolonged intensive BCG treatment might eventually suppress the immune system, and thus result in an enhanced risk of dissemination of the disease, is discussed.

DAVIES, M.G.; FIFIELD, R.; MARKS, R.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00021.xpmid: 508608

SUMMARYPatients with dermatitis herpetiformis were found to have an increased incidence of atopic disorders compared to an age and sex matched control group. The increase in incidence was statistically significant for atopic eczema and any atopic disorder. Serum immunoglobulins (including IgE) were estimated in forty‐five dermatitis herpetiformis patients and no significant abnormalities were found.

MILLER, R.M.; COGER, R.W.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00022.xpmid: 508609

SUMMARYThirty‐three patients with dyshidrotic eczema were trained either to decrease or to increase the electrical conductivity of the skin. Skin conductance has been found to be related to epidermal water content as well as emotional variables, both of which have suggested links to eczema. Subjects trained to decrease skin conductance showed clinical improvement more often than the controls who were trained in the opposite direction. They also showed a significant decrease in measured conductance and anxiety. The controls showed increased anxiety and no significant changes in skin conductance level.

ASTORE, IGNACIO P.L.; PECORARO, VICENTE; PECORARO, ESTEBAN G.

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00023.xpmid: 508610

SummaryThe parameters of the trichogram of the pubic hair were studied with a previously described technique. Measurements were made on males and on non‐pregnant, pregnant and post‐partum females.In males and non‐pregnant females density and rate of growth steadily decrease with age. There was a higher percentage of telogens in women. Hair thickness was not modified.The most important findings are related to pregnancy and post‐partum which did not induce any change in the parameters of the trichogram of the pubic area. These findings indicate a behaviour of the pubic hair different from the scalp and axillary hair.