Enhanced Expression of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen in Psoriatic Epidermis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), one of the markers for proliferating cells, has been detected in solid human neoplasms. Psoriasis is a benign hyperproliferative disorder of the skin. OBJECTIVE: This study has been made to investigate if PCNA can be detected in the psoriatic epidermis. METHODS: Specimens from 10 patients with psoriasis were stained for PCNA using the one hour immunoalkaline phosphatase technique. RESULTS: The psoriatic epidermis showed positive nuclear staining in 20%-61% (mean, 45.7%) of keratinocytes. CONCLUSION: PCNA seems to be involved in the mechanism of increased epidermal cell proliferation in psoriatic lesions.