Figure 1. Analysis of beta-defensin mRNA expression in normal and inflamed human tissues.

Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on RNA of normal human tissues (mostly obtained from one individual), purified epidermis from skin biopsies of healthy controls, psoriasis patients and atopic dermatitis patients, and inflamed synovium from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Expression of target genes was normalized to that of RPLP0. For graphical representation all values were expressed relative to hBD-2 in tongue, which was set at unity [34]. Primer sequences and efficiency of amplification are given in supplemental table S1. For details on normal human tissues see materials and methods. Bars represent mean and SD.