Different stress-induced membrane molecule profile of circulating lymphocytes in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls

Purpose of study: Psychological stress is assumed to be an important factor for the deterioration of psoriasis (Pso). The goal of the study was to focus on the effects of an established psychological laboratory stress model into immunologic parameters i.e. membrane molecules relevant to the pathophysiology of Pso.

Subject sample and statement of methods: Patients with Pso (n=15) and healthy controls (HC, n=15) were exposed to a standardized short laboratory psychological stress, as previously described. In vitro analyses were conducted 1 hour before, immediately after, and 1 hour after stress exposure. Lymphocyte subpopulations and membrane molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Summary of results: An increase in heart rate and blood pressure was revealed during psychological stress both in Pso patients and HC. We found a significant stress-induced increase of CD3+ T lymphocytes in Pso patients but not in controls. Analyses of T cell subsets revealed that this increase was observable for LFA–1+CD3+ lymphocytes, cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes, CD45RA+CD3+ cells, CD45R0+CD3+ cells, and CLA+CD3+ lymphocytes. As expected, total number of circulating NK cells (CD16+, CD56+) increased immediately after stress both in patients and in HC. In contrast, a significant stress-induced increase of CLA+ NK cells was revealed only in Pso patients. A higher stress-induced increase of T cells including the CLA+ subset and CLA+ NK cells in the circulation in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls might underline an increased ability of T and NK cells in psoriasis home into the skin during mental stress.

Key words

healthy controls - lymphocytes - psoriasis - stress