Increased plasma norepinephrine in psoriasis.

Free plasma catecholamines were measured by means of a standardized HPLC method in 50 adult patients with psoriasis and in 18 healthy volunteers. The concentrations of circulating norepinephrine were significantly higher in the psoriasis group (p less than 0.005); by contrast only slight differences were found in the epinephrine and dopamine concentrations. The possible mechanisms leading to these changes are discussed.