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The effect of topical retinoids on the leukotriene-B4-induced migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into human skin

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Summary

Systemic retinoids are effective in a variety of inflammatory dermatoses. Disorders in which polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are involved, such as psoriasis and acne, respond particularly well to various retinoids. However, side-effects restrict the use of systemic retinoids to severe manifestations. Topical application might provide the possibility of avoiding the systemic side-effects of these compounds. In this communication we report on the modulation of transepidermal migration of PMN by topical application of all-trans-retinoic acid, 13-cis-retinoic acid, arotinoid methyl sulphone and arotinoid ethyl sulphone. Test areas of healthy volunteers were pre-treated with these retinoids in a cream base and with corresponding placebo creams, and intraepidermal accumulation of PMN was quantified 24 h after epicutaneous challenge with leukotriene B4 (LTB4), using elastase as a marker enzyme. Topical treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid resulted in a marked and statistically significant inhibition of the LTB4-induced migration of PMN. All-trans-retinoic acid, arotinoid methyl sulphone and arotinoid ethyl sulphone reduced the accumulation of PMN slightly, but not statistically significantly. Topical treatment with arotinoid methyl sulphone had no effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, Javastraat 104, 6524, MJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    G. Wozel, A. Chang, R. Happle & P. C. M. van de Kerkhof

  2. Department of Dermatology, Pharma Division, Hoffmann-La Roche & Co Ltd, Basel, Switzerland

    M. Zultak & B. M. Czarnetzki

  3. Department of Dermatology, Medical Academy “Carl Gustav Carus”, Dresden, Germany

    G. Wozel & J. Barth

  4. Department of Dermatology, Free University of Berlin, Rudolf Virchow Hospital, Berlin, Germany

    B. M. Czarnetzki

Authors
  1. G. Wozel
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  2. A. Chang
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  3. M. Zultak
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  4. B. M. Czarnetzki
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  5. R. Happle
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  6. J. Barth
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  7. P. C. M. van de Kerkhof
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Wozel, G., Chang, A., Zultak, M. et al. The effect of topical retinoids on the leukotriene-B4-induced migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into human skin. Arch Dermatol Res 283, 158–161 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00372055

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00372055

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