Dopamine plays an important role in the central nervous system of mammals, including executive functions, motor control, motivation, arousal, reinforcement, and reward. Moreover, it has a promoting effect on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells and progenitor cells in the adult brains. In the present study we have studied skin biopsies from psoriatic patients using immunohistochemistry and also performed in vitro studies with normal human keratinocytes.
With the DA antibody there is a staining of the epidermis of the involved psoriatic skin, more evident in the apical keratinocyte layers and a few basal keratinocytes, in Langerhans cells-like cells, and also some dermal inflammatory cells and endothelia. In addition, some keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum are heavily stained. Moreover, a diffuse staining for DA maý be seen in the papillary dermis. There is with a validated rat monoclonal antibody to D1R a profound staining of the differentiating zone of the epidermis, a weak staining of some of the basal epidermal cells, and also of some dermal inflammatory cells and some endothelia. With the D2R antibody there is a staining of the basal zone of the epidermis, but also of the differentiating zone of the epidermis, Langerhans-cell like cells and a few dermal inflammatory cells as well as a few of the endothelia.
Dopamine receptors were also studied in normal human adult epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa), using qRT-PCR, and also their effects on proliferation (cell counting), and differentiation (using epidermal differentiation markers), with agonists to the D1R (chloro-APB hydrobromide; SKF-82958) and D2R (Bromocriptine). The keratinocytes were shown to express dopamine receptor RNA. The major effect of the D1R is on the differentiating phase while the D2R on the proliferation phase of the keratinocytes.
Psoriasis with its hyperproliferation of basal keratinocytes and a disturbed keratinocyte differentiation, might be a target for treatment using dopamine receptors.

LB034 -A role for dopamine in psoriasis

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.