DNA content and K sub(s)8.I2 binding of the psoriatic lesion during treatment with the vitamin D sub(3) analogue MC sub(903) and betamethasone

Twenty patients with psoriasis were treated with the vitamin D sub(3) analogue MC sub(903) and betamethasone ointment in a double-blind trial with a left-right comparison. In addition to the clinical severity scores, K sub(s)8.I2 binding which detects keratin I6 expression and the DNA synthesis were quantified using flow cytometry. Both markers decreased significantly with treatment, but remained above the normal range even in those who had total clearance of the lesions. Treatment with MC sub(903) with regard to K sub(s)8.I2 binding was significantly better than with betamethasone.