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Immunopathological and ultrastructural findings in human allergic and irritant contact dermatitis
Author(s) -
WILLIS C.M.,
YOUNG E.,
BRANDON D.R.,
WILKINSON J.D.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb05745.x
Subject(s) - allergic contact dermatitis , irritant contact dermatitis , contact dermatitis , dermatology , ultrastructure , medicine , allergy , immunology , pathology
SUMMARY The histopathological features of allergic contact dermatitis were compared with those of irritant contact dermatitis in a group of 17 subjects. Each patient received simultaneous patch tests of a known allergen and a standardized irritant (benzalkonium chloride). The cellular changes occurring between 3 h and 7 days after patch test application were studied by light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. No differences were observed between the induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), either in the responding cell types or the sequence of cellular events. Both reactions showed a predominantly T lymphocyte infiltrate with no polymorphonuclear leukocyte involvement. Apposition of Langerbans cells to lymphocytes in the epidermis was seen in both types of response. Considerable variability in the intensity of reaction to irritant and allergen occurred within individuals. There was no statistically significant difference between the intensity of the reactions to the irritant and the allergen.