Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Abstract

Prolactin May Promote the Development of Psoriasis: Reawakened Issue

Kanda N, Hau CS, Tada Y and Watanabe S

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by the hyperproliferation and impaired differentiation of keratinocytes, the abnormal activation of type 17 helper T (Th17), Th22, Th1 cells, dendritic cells or neutrophils, and enhanced angiogenesis in the dermis. A polypeptide hormone, prolactin is mainly produced in the anterior pituitary gland; however, it can also be produced in extra pituitary sites and is detected in the skin. Prolactin is a member of the type I cytokine superfamily and exerts a variety of immunostimulatory effects. It has been indicated that prolactin may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this review is to overview the clinical and experimental data which support the promoting effects of prolactin on the development of psoriasis, including our recent experimental results.