title: Application of HEMA on intact mouse skin--effects on the immune system.
abstract: Previously, we have shown that 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) can bind to protein and that autoantibodies were induced in mice by immunization with a self-protein in vitro conjugated with HEMA. The present study aimed to develop a model for HEMA-induced sensitivity by the application of the substance on intact skin. Female BALB/c mice were painted on the dorsum of each ear with 50% HEMA in vehicle twice a week for 6 weeks. The anti-CD3epsilon-stimulated lymph node production and the spontaneous spleen-cell production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and interferon-gamma were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In another experiment, the cytokines were followed after subcutaneous HEMA injections. Animals painted with HEMA had a significantly higher IL-6 production by anti-CD3epsilon-stimulated lymph node cells and significantly suppressed IL-10 production by spleen cells compared to vehicle-treated mice. This correlated to some extent with the spontaneous spleen-cell production induced by subcutaneously administered HEMA. An injection of 20 micromol of HEMA induced an increased production of IL-6, while injection of 40 micromol depressed both IL-6 and IL-10 production. Although there was no sign of inflammation on the ears, findings suggest that HEMA had penetrated the skin and induced a reaction in the immune system.
authors.affiliation: Section for Oral Immunology, Faculty of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sandberg
authors.forename: Ulf I
authors.initials: UI
authors.lastname: Dahlgren
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D023421:Models, Animal; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D017252:CD3 Complex; D016207:Cytokines; D008689:Methacrylates; C005044:hydroxyethyl methacrylate