Original Article

Journal of Investigative Dermatology (1995) 104, 872–876; doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12607047

Axon-Reflex-Mediated Vasodilatation in the Psoriatic Plaque?

Ann Lene Krogstad1, Gunnar Swanbeck1 and B Gunnar Wallin2

  1. 1Department of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sahlgren University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
  2. 2Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sahlgren University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden

Received 14 June 1994; Revised 8 November 1994; Accepted 13 January 1995.

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Abstract

Blood flow in the psoriatic plaque is increased, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. The aim of the present study was to examine whether neurogenic factors are important for blood flow regulation in the plaque. Local neurogenic mechanisms were inhibited by surface anesthesia and central nervous control by conduction anesthesia of nerves to the psoriatic plaque. The differences in skin perfusion before and after anesthesia were measured with a laser Doppler perfusion imager. The skin perfusion in psoriatic plaques located in hairy skin was unaffected by conduction anesthesia, but surface anesthesia of the plaque evoked a marked blood flow reduction. The perfusion in ultraviolet-B-irradiated skin, used as a control for nonspecific phenomena, was reduced after local application of indomethacin but was unaffected or increased after surface anesthesia, The results are compatible with the idea that a local neurogenic mechanism (axon-reflex) contributes to the high blood flow in the psoriatic plaque.

Keywords:

perfusion, anesthesia, psoriasis

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