Neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis in methotrexate-treated psoriasis patients.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) and monocyte (MO) chemotaxis in methotrexate (MTX)-treated psoriatics was determined by a radioactive in vitro assay. MTX was administered orally once a week in a dose of 7.5 mg to 15 mg. Six untreated patients were examined before start and during the first week of the MTX treatment. A profound depression of the enhanced levels of PMN and MO chemotaxis was seen within the first 48 hours after intake of MTX, but the chemotactic activity recovered to initial values during the following days. Fifteen psoriasis patients in long-term treatment with MTX had normal chemotactic responses of both PMN's and MO's.