Utilization of epidermal phospholipase A2 inhibition to monitor topical steroid action.

The effect of several steroid creams on epidermal phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in symptomless psoriatic and normal epidermis was studied. The magnitude of PLA2 inhibition produced by the steroids was directly proportional to the initial level of the enzyme activity. This differential inhibition resulted in PLA2 activity approaching or attaining the normal range regardless of its initial level. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Dermovate) produced more enzyme inhibition than betamethasone valerate 0.1% (Betnovate) but there was no difference in inhibition between this latter steroid and clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate). All were more inhibitory than hydrocortisone I% (Efcortelan).