Effect of X-Ray Lymphopenia on Contact Dermatitis: Failure of Whole-Body X-Irradiation to Inhibit the Delayed Hypersensitivity Challenge Response in the Guinea Pig

Journal Article · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Archives of Dermatology (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.1963.01590240092016· OSTI ID:4078711

Maguire, H C; Maibach, H I

It has been reponted previously that whole-body x irradiation specifically inhibits the allergic contact dermatitis reaction in sensitized guinea pigs, and this effect was correlated with x-ray-induced lymphopenia. Similar results have been reported using specific antilymphocyte antisera (which produces a far less profound lymphopenia). However, the present authors were unable to confirm that x-ray-induced lymphopenia specifically attenuates the allergic contact dermatitis reaction. Lymphopenia did not correlate with decreased allergic contact skin reactivity, and whole-body x irradiation over a wide range did not specifically inhibit the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis, Thus, doses of 320 to 2500 r did not attenuate specifically the challenge response in dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-sensitized guinea pigs, although lymphocyte counts fell sharply. Unrelated to the degree of leukopenia, severely marasmic animals showed clear-cut inhibition of cutaneous reactivity. This was true whether the challenge was allergen (DNCB) or a primary irritant (croton oil). These conclusions were reinforced by parallel experiments using cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) as leukopenogen. The findings argue against the view that the antibody-like factor of delayed hypersensitivity remains fixed, until the last moment, to blood lymphocytes, but with the notion that a delayed hypersensitivity antibody-like material circulates in the serum of sensitized animals. (BBB)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-18-015825
• OSTI ID: 4078711
• Journal Information: Archives of Dermatology (U.S.), Journal Name: Archives of Dermatology (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 88; ISSN ARDEA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ANTIBODIES
ANTIGENS
BENZENE
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BLOOD SERUM
CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS
CROTON OIL
DRUGS
ENDOXAN
GUINEA PIGS
IMMUNITY
LYMPHOCYTES
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
QUANTITY RATIO
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOMIMETIC DRUGS
SKIN
TOXICITY
X RADIATION