Skin: Major target organ of allergic reactions to small molecular weight compounds

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EDT 2007 · Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2007.01.004· OSTI ID:21077842

Baron, Jens M; Neis, Mark M; Obrigkeit, Daniela Hoeller ^[1]; Karlberg, Ann-Therese ^[2]

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1. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Univ.-Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen (Germany)
2. Dermatochemistry and Skin Allergy, Department of Chemistry, Goeteborg University, SE-412 96 Goeteborg (Sweden)

Skin is a major target organ for allergic reactions to small molecular weight compounds. Drug allergic reactions may be life-threatening such as in the case of anaphylactic reactions or bullous drug reactions and occur in about 5% of all hospitalized patients. Allergic contact dermatitis has an enormous influence on the social life of the patient because it is the most frequent reason for occupational skin diseases and the treatment and prevention of this disease cost approximately Euro 3 billion per year in Germany. The different proposed pathophysiological pathways leading to a drug eruption are discussed in this paper. All major enzymes which are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotica were shown to be present in skin. Evidence supporting the role of metabolism in the development of drug allergy and allergic contact dermatitis is demonstrated in the example of sulphonamides and fragrances.

• OSTI ID: 21077842
• Journal Information: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Journal Name: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 224; ISSN TXAPA9; ISSN 0041-008X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ALLERGY
COST
DERMATITIS
DRUGS
ENZYMES
METABOLISM
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
PATIENTS
SKIN