Where does rituximab fit in the treatment of autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering skin disease?

We propose rituximab as a first-line therapy for pemphigus vulgaris and steroid-dependent bullous pemphigoid with or without systemic steroids. A brief review of the literature substantiates the significant risk associated with the use of long term, high-dose prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and azathioprine. No head-to-head studies are available with respect to safety and efficacy of rituximab versus these therapies.

GABA and GABA(A) receptor expression on immune cells in psoriasis: a pathophysiological role.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which pruritus is a common symptom. Pruritus may be associated with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. The distribution of GABA and its GABA(A) receptor (R) was studied in involved and non-involved psoriatic skin, as well as normal healthy control skin, using an immunohistochemistry technique.