Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression of nerve growth factor receptors, P75 neurotrophin receptor (P75^NTR) and tyrosine kinase A (TrkA), and to explore their role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. Methods In situ hydridization and immunohistochemical technique were used respectively to detect the expression of P75^NTH and TrkA mRNA and proteins in lesional and non-lesional skins of 38 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (21 cases in progressive stage, 17 cases in static stage), and in normal skins of 10 healthy controls. Results In the case of expression of P75^NTR and TrkA mRNA and proteins, patients had significantly higher level than the normal control (P<0.01); patients in progressive stage had significantly higher level than those in static stage (P<0.01); the level in lesional skins was higher than that in non-lesional skins (P<0.01). Conclusions Significant difference is found in the expression of P75^NTR and TrkA mRNA and proteins between lesional and non-lesional skins or between patients in progressive stage and those in static stage of psoriasis vulgaris, indicating that nerve growth factor may participate in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris.

Key words: Psoriasis, Receptor, nerve growth factor