Modulation of cutaneous SP receptors in atopic dermatitis after UVA irradiation.

weal and flare reaction to intradermal injection of substance P An involved skin area of 6 patients with atopic dermatitis was UVAhas been observed. We investigated the distribution of substance irradiated with an intensity of 10 J/cm2, five times a week, for 3 P receptors in the involved skin of patients before and after consecutive weeks (total intensity for 15 irradiations: 150 J/cm2; single or repetitive UVA irradiations. Our results indicate that source: Waldmann 7001 K, 27×85/100 W,l=320–400 nm). substance P receptors of the NK-1 subtype are expressed on blood vessels and on epidermal keratinocytes of involved skin of Skin biopsies patients with atopic dermatitis. UVA irradiations did not modify For each patient, three punch biopsies (4 mm) were taken: one before the epidermal distribution of substance P receptors but decreased irradiation, the second 24 h after the first irradiation (10 J/cm2) and their expression intensity on blood vessels. UVA irradiations the third 72 h after the last irradiation. Skin biopsies were immediately seem to decrease skin inflammation through the modulation of frozen in liquid nitrogen and kept at −70°C until use. They were sectioned in a cryostat at 4 mm.