THE ROLE OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR CELLS IN PSORIASIS

Neutrophil cell function in psoriasis was studied through polymorphonuclear cell adherence to nylon wool, chemotaxis under agarose, and phagocytosis of Candida albicans. Differences in PMN adherence were not found between psoriatics and controls. The chemotactic response to zymosan activated serum (ZAS) did not differ between psoriatic and normal PMNs. The psoriatic serum exhibited chemoattracting properties equal to ZAS. Psoriatic serum was shown to be chemoattracting to psoriatic and normal PMNs whereas normal serum was only to psoriatic cells. Differences in recognition mechanisms between psoriatic and normal cells are proposed. Phagocytosis of Candidaby psoriatic PMNS was earlier and more prolonged and candidacidal activity was earlier and definetely increased at given times compared to normal PMNs. A protective role of psoriatic PMNs in Munro's microabcesses against bacterial invasion is postulated.