title: Comparison of sensitizing protocols for ultraviolet B-induced immunosuppression in C3H mice.
abstract: To compare previously used protocols for ultraviolet (UV)-induced suppression of contact hypersensitivity in mice, and to develop an optimized protocol for C3H mice, the effect of 3 different allergens, varying allergen concentrations in the induction or challenge phase, local and distant sites of allergen application in respect to irradiation site, 2 mouse substrains and 2 different light sources was studied. A concentration of 0.5% of oxazolone (OXA) gave a slightly better contact sensitization than a 1% concentration of trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB). Titration experiments revealed that for both OXA and TNCB, a 1% sensitization concentration was optimal, while the optimal challenge concentration was 0.5% for OXA and 1% for TNCB. The magnitude of the resulting contact sensitization was not influenced by either the mouse substrain (C3H/HeJ or C3H/HeN) or the site of allergen application (back or belly), but application of fluorescein isothiocyanate to the ears only produced weak sensitization. A standard UVB dose of 1.3 kJ/m2 suppressed TNCB contact sensitivity to a greater extent than that of OXA. A similar degree of UV-induced suppression was obtained with a given UVB dose, irrespective of a 50-fold difference in the concomitant UVA dose. Based on our results, a proper protocol of contact sensitization for UV-induced immunosuppression in C3H mice includes sensitization with 0.5% OXA on either the mouse back or belly, ear challenge with 0.5% OXA and ear swelling reading 24 h after challenge.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Laihia
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Jansén
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007114:Immunization; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D010081:Oxazolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010853:Picryl Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D010081:Oxazolone; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; D010853:Picryl Chloride