Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an often severely pruritic chronic inflammatory disease often worsened by psychological stress. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a sensory neuropeptide , which may cause pruritus. Earlier studies indicate a special pathogenetic role for CGRP in AD. However, somewhat contradictory results regarding CGRP positive nerve fibers in AD skin, have been reported. We have studied skin biopsies from 26 patients with AD. The biopsies were taken from lesional and non-lesional skin, in addition, normal skin biopsies from 10 healthy individuals were investigated for expression of CGRP, using a biotinylated–streptavidine technique and fluorescence microscopy. The total number of nerve fibers was highest in the lesional skin, which, in contrast to the non-lesional and normal healthy skin, also had intraepidermal nerve-like structures positive for CGRP. Some of the biopsies from the lesional skin showed sprouting of the CGRP positive fibers in the papillary dermis. In addition, there were intraepidermal CGRP positive inflammatory cells, in the lesional skin, while just a few such cells in the non-lesional skin. In the lesional skin also keratinocyte expression of CGRP could be found. These results support a role for CGRP for the inflammatory process in AD and that intraepidermal CGRP positive cells and nerves are involved.

ESDR413 - Role of calcitonin gene-related peptide in atopic dermatitis

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.