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The serotonin transporter protein is expressed in psoriasis, where it may play a role in regulating apoptosis

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Abstract

Since the symptoms of psoriasis may be changed by treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the expression of serotonin (5-HT) and its transporter protein (SERT) in the skin of patients with psoriasis were examined employing a biotinylated-streptavidine procedure. In biopsies of such skin staining for 5-HT was limited to platelets; the expression of SERT in the keratinocytes of involved regions was redistributed; the numbers of SERT-positive dendritic or round mononuclear cells in the epidermis of involved psoriatic skin were higher than in normal healthy control skin; and the dermis of the involved skin contained higher numbers of round inflammatory cells immunostained for SERT than either non-involved psoriatic skin or normal skin. Double-immunostaining indicated that the skin cells expressing SERT also expressed CD1a, CD3 or tryptase. In addition, SERT immunostaining was co localized with caspase-3, a key regulator of apoptosis, but not with TUNEL staining. The present findings indicate that SERT might play a role in regulating apoptosis in inflammatory cells associated with psoriasis, in which case this protein might constitute a valuable therapeutic target.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden

    Kristofer Thorslund, Husameldin El-Nour & Klas Nordlind

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  1. Kristofer Thorslund
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  2. Husameldin El-Nour
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  3. Klas Nordlind
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Correspondence to Kristofer Thorslund.

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Thorslund, K., El-Nour, H. & Nordlind, K. The serotonin transporter protein is expressed in psoriasis, where it may play a role in regulating apoptosis. Arch Dermatol Res 301, 449–457 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0933-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0933-y

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