Topical application of endothelin receptor a antagonist attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriasiform skin inflammation

Sci Rep. 2020 Jun 11;10(1):9510. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-66490-z.

Abstract

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is well known as the most potent vasoconstrictor, and can evoke histamine-independent pruritus. Recently, its involvement in cutaneous inflammation has begun to draw attention. The upregulation of ET-1 expression in the epidermis of human psoriasis patients has been reported. It was also demonstrated that ET-1 can stimulate dendritic cells to induce Th17/1 immune responses. However, the role of the interaction between ET-1 and ET-1 receptors in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of ET-1 receptor antagonist on imiquimod (IMQ) -induced psoriasiform dermatitis in mouse. Psoriasis-related cytokines such as IL-17A and TNF-α induced ET-1 expression in human keratinocytes. Topical application of selective endothelin A receptor (ETAR) antagonist ambrisentan significantly attenuated the development of IMQ-induced psoriasiform dermatitis and also significantly inhibited the histological inflammation and cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-12p40, IL-12 p19, and IL-17) in the lesional skin of the mouse model. Furthermore, topical application of ambrisentan suppressed phenotypic and functional activation of dendritic cells in lymph nodes. Our findings indicate that the ET-1 and ETAR axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and is a potential therapeutic target for treating psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Animals
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Endothelin Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Endothelin Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Endothelin Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Endothelin-1 / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod / adverse effects*
  • Mice
  • Phenylpropionates / administration & dosage
  • Phenylpropionates / pharmacology
  • Phenylpropionates / therapeutic use
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced*
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / metabolism
  • Psoriasis / prevention & control
  • Pyridazines / administration & dosage
  • Pyridazines / pharmacology
  • Pyridazines / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Endothelin / metabolism*
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
  • Endothelin-1
  • Phenylpropionates
  • Pyridazines
  • Receptors, Endothelin
  • ambrisentan
  • Imiquimod