[Metallothioneins gene in induced mouse allergic contact dermatitis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the chronic hypersensitivity (CHS) to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in metallothionein gene knocked-out (MT -/-) mice and wild mice (MT +/+) with homologous genes.


METHODS
Mice were sensitized by applying DNFB on abdominal skin and CHS was induced on right ears. The CHS was observed by ear swelling.


RESULTS
In comparison with metallothionein--null mice, the ear swelling of normal control wild mice was significantly greater. (P < 0.05, Students t test).


CONCLUSIONS
Metallothioneins play an important role in the CHS. Metallothionein gene knocked-out (MT -/-) mice express less inflammation of CHS.
Lu
Xueyan
X
Department of Dermatology, Peking University Third Hospital, China.
Li
Linfeng
L
Wang
Wenhui
W
Zhang
Baoxu
B
D000818:Animals; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000235:genetics*; D004139:Dinitrofluorobenzene; D007249:Inflammation; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D012867:Skin
D008668:Metallothionein; D004139:Dinitrofluorobenzene