Abstract:
A method for the treatment of psoriasis comprising administering an anti-psoriasis effective amount of an antagonist of the growth hormone.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a method for the treatment of psoriasis. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Large segments of the population are affected by psoriasis. However, the cause of this disease is thus far unknown, see, for example, Brockhaus Encyclopedic Dictionary 1972, Vol. 15, Page 224. Generally, the treatments described in this reference include treatments with corticosteroids which can achieve a certain amount of a short term regression of the disease. This method as well as other methods known today have not produced a complete cure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     I have discovered a method for the treatment of psoriasis which has achieved significant regression of the disease. My invention is based on the discovery that the cause of psoriasis is a persistence of the secretion of the human growth hormone, i.e., somatotropic hormone). Thus, the invention comprises the administration of an antagonist for the growth hormone in amounts effective to sufficiently antagonize the secretion of the hormone to normalize the psoriasis. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Several antagonists for the growth hormone or somatotropic hormone can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, somatostatine which is a tetra-decapeptide can be used. The only indication for somatostatine thus far is hypophysical gigantism as well as the assisted storage of insulin in diabetes. Of course, neither of these indications bear any resemblance to psoriasis. 
     An example of the primary structure of somatostatine is: ##STR1## 
     Another antagonist which can be used is bromocriptine. Like somatostatine, bromocriptine acts on the pituitary gland as a growth inhibitor. This indication, however, also bears no resemblance to psoriasis. 
     Finally, it is possible to use a combination of somatostatine and bromocriptine either together, or sequentially in the treatment of psoriasis. In any event, the amount of the dosage should be that amount which is effective to terminate the psoriasis. This amount may vary from patient to patient. 
     Typical dosages and applications of somatostatine are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________1.     250 μg/hr/48 hrs. (that is to say, 250 μg per hour  and for 48 hours as continuous intravenous drip,  e.g., in 5% glucose solution). This can be followed  by:1.2.1  250 μg infusion 2 × daily, or1.2.2  1000 μg infusion in 24 hours, or1.3.1  a subcutaneous injection of 250 μg 2 × in 24 hours,  or1.3.2  a subcutaneous injection of 1000 μg every 24 hours,  or1.4.1  a nasal spray of 500 μg every 24 hours, or1.4.2  a nasal spray of 1000 μg every 24 hours, or1.5.1  capsules with a total of 500 μg every 24 hours,  or1.5.2  capsules with a total of 1000 μg every 24 hours.______________________________________ 
    
     The dosages and sequence numbered 1.2.1 to 1.5.2 are alternative. An interval of up to four days without treatment can be inserted between any one of these treatments and the 48 hour interval after step 1. However, it is also possible to utilize the sequential treatments 1.2.1 to 1.5.2 without the prior continuous intravenous drip specified in step 1. 
     As noted, the respective application and dosages may be adjusted depending on the disease in the specific patient as well as the condition, reaction sensitivity, etc. of the patient. The treatment should be continued until complete regression of the psoriasis has occurred. If a relapse does occur, renewed treatment with somatostatine has proven to be successful. 
     Treatment with bromocriptine has been effected in the following manner utilizing tablets with 2.5 mg of bromocriptine. 
     
         ______________________________________    6.00 12.00       6.00    10.00    A.M. Noon        P.M.    P.M.______________________________________1st day    12nd day    1                  13rd day    1      1           14th day    1      1           1     15th day    2      1           1     16th day    2      1           2     17th day    2      2           2     18th day    2      2           2     2______________________________________ (the numbers refer to the number of tablets of 2.5 mg of bromocriptine) 
    
     On the 9th day, if there is tolerance, one capsule of 10 mg at 6.00 A.M. and 6.00 P.M. respectively are administered. The administration is oral and is continued until a complete cure is effected.