Abstract

PIP: A prostaglandin-specific radioimmunoassay capable of detecting 10 pg of PGE2 is described. Using this assay we were able to demonstrate prostaglandin activity in dermal perfusates from 5 of 8 patients with contact dermatitis, and in blister fluid from 4 volunteers with contact dermatitis and 4 volunteers with cantharidin blisters. The prostaglandin activity had a definite time relationship to inflammatory activity of the skin. Dermal perfusates from normal skin or psoriatic skin and blister fluid from noninflammatory (suction) blisters were without activity. The data suggest that prostaglandins may be a common denominator in cutaneous inflammation.