Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, where specific immunity and/or innate immunity may be of importance in the disease pathogenesis. Psoriasis may be worsened by stress, which suggests that a neuroimmune interaction is contributing to the disease. Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine which besides general effects also has an impact on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. 5-HT exerts its effects via several receptors. 5-HT has a role in inflammation, and 5-HT receptors as well as its transporter protein have been found in psoriatic skin. 5-HT 1A receptor-positive mast cells, and 5-HT 2A receptor and serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT)-positive T lymphocytes may be targets for therapy with serotonergic drugs in psoriasis.
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