[Current aspects of the pathogenesis of skin manifestations in psoriasis vulgaris]

Abstract

This review deals with newer aspects of the pathogenesis of skin lesions in psoriasis vulgaris. Genetic determinants and mechanisms of provocation of psoriasis are discussed. The pathobiology of the psoriatic lesions is reviewed from a more functional point of view. The disturbances of epidermal cell proliferation and epidermal cell differentiation in the psoriatic lesions are discussed. Newer findings about chalones and the disturbances of the c-AMP/c-GMP-system are reviewed. The changes of capillaries and the inflammatory reaction in the psoriatic lesion, the morphology of the initial psoriatic lesion and newer immunological findings in patients with psoriasis are reviewed. A working hypothesis of the pathogenesis of the psoriatic lesion is given.