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Dichloronitrobenzene: a reappraisal of its skin sensitization potential
Author(s) -
Basketter David A.,
Sholes Edward W.,
Fielding Ian,
Dearman Rebecca J,
Hilton Jennifer,
Kimber Ian
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1996.tb02113.x
Subject(s) - sensitization , local lymph node assay , allergen , immunology , allergic contact dermatitis , immune system , lymph node , skin sensitization , allergy , chemistry , medicine
Unlike the closely related chemical dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), which is a very strong contact allergen, dichloronitrobenzene (DCNB) has been widely regarded as a non‐allergen and, as such, a useful control for its strongly sensitizing counterpart. Nevertheless, it is still an organic chemical species readily capable of penetrating skin and, rather than being regarded as completely inert, it has even been suggested to react with the immune system in such a way that it induces specific tolerance to its chemical structure. We investigated whether DCNB was in reality a non‐allergen, or rather merely a weak contact sensitizer. In both a rigorously conducted guinea pig maximization test and in a modified murine local lymph node assay. DCNB was demonstrated lo possess weak sensitizing activity. On this basis, DCNB cannot be regarded as inert with respect to contact allergic potential, and is therefore inappropriate as a negative control in studies of skin sensitization