The discrimination between nickel-sensitive and non-nickel-sensitive subjects by an in vitro lymphocyte transformation test.
A lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) was able to distinguish between nickel-sensitive subjects and non-nickel-sensitive controls. Sixty-one out of 66 (92%) nickel-sensitive subjects had positive stimulation indices in 6- and/or 7-day assays using 5 micrograms/ml of nickel sulphate, whereas none of the 43 controls gave positive results. Stimulation indices were not enhanced by the patch testing of subjects to nickel before performing the LTT. A weak correlation was seen between the results of the LTT and the macroscopic degree of patch-test reactivity. The concentration of nickel sulphate used (5 micrograms/ml) did not have a significant non-specific mitogenic effect.
Everness
K M
KM
University Department of Dermatology, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.
Gawkrodger
D J
DJ
Botham
P A
PA
Hunter
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010328:Patch Tests
D007509:Irritants; C029938:nickel sulfate; D009532:Nickel