Lymphocyte transformation and thiuram sensitization.
The use of a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) to confirm allergic contact dermatitis from thiurams has been investigated. The responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from thiuram-sensitive and non-sensitive individuals following culture with dimethylcarbamoyl-protein (human serum albumin; HSA) and dimethylthiocarbamoyl-HSA conjugates has been compared. Only PBMC from those patients who were patch-test-positive with thiuram-mix and sensitized to tetramethylthiuram monosulphide (TMTM) or TMTM and tetramethylthiuram disulphide (TMTD) exhibited significant proliferative responses to these conjugates. Thiuram-patch-test-negative patients and control donors with no history of allergic contact dermatitis failed to mount a significant response to any concentration of either conjugate. Two of the thiuram-sensitive patients were also nickel-patch-test-positive, and PBMC isolated from these donors, but not from nickel-patch-test-negative patients, proved positive in a nickel LTT. The data reveal that relevant hapten-protein conjugates are capable of provoking specific human lymphocyte proliferative responses in vitro, and that, using this technique, the LTT can, in principle, be used for the investigation and/or diagnosis of skin sensitization to lipophilic contact allergens.
Kimber
I
I
ICI Central Toxicology Laboratory, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
Quirke
S
S
Cumberbatch
M
M
Ashby
J
J
Paton
D
D
Aldridge
R D
RD
Hunter
J A
JA
Beck
M H
MH
D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D004123:Dimethylamines / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D013893:Thiram / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D004123:Dimethylamines; D013893:Thiram; D009532:Nickel