Effect of Aminopterin on Epithelial Tissues

The study examined the impact of "aminopterin" on epithelial tissues in 18 patients, finding it to have a strong suppressive effect on epithelial structures, leading to issues such as alopecia and interference with wound healing. The drug was given orally in doses of 1.5 to 2.0 mg to 13 patients with psoriasis and 5 with chronic indurative dermatoses, resulting in remissions of skin lesions typically between the 5th and 10th day of treatment. However, side effects like ulceration of the buccal mucosa and abdominal cramps were common, causing interruptions in therapy. "Aminopterin" was more effective than cortisone in treating psoriasis but less so for arthritic symptoms. The study suggests that despite its toxicity, "aminopterin" may be beneficial for certain dermatologic and systemic diseases that respond temporarily to cortisone, but it requires careful management due to its side effects.