title: The sensitizing capacity of coumarins (I).
abstract: 10 coumarins used in perfumery, cosmetics and ointments, have been investigated by 2 different methods to determine their sensitizing capacity. Only 1 of the compounds, 4-methyl-esculetin, which serves as a sunscreen agent, was found to be a weak sensitizer. All other coumarins were negative. It is assumed that this dihydroxycoumarin becomes a sensitizer when it is enzymically oxidized to the corresponding orthoquinone in the skin.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003374:Coumarins / Q000633:toxicity*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005620:Freund's Adjuvant / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007509:Irritants; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003374:Coumarins; D007509:Irritants; D005620:Freund's Adjuvant