title: Skin sensitization potency of methyl methacrylate in the local lymph node assay: comparisons with guinea-pig data and human experience.
abstract: There is compelling evidence that contact allergens differ substantially (by 4 or 5 orders of magnitude) with respect to their inherent skin-sensitizing potency. Relative potency can now be measured effectively using the mouse local lymph node assay (LLNA) and such data form the basis of risk assessment and risk management strategies. Such determinations also facilitate distinctions being drawn between the prevalence of skin sensitization to a particular contact allergen and inherent potency. The distinction is important because chemicals that are implicated as common causes of contact allergy are not necessarily potent sensitizers. One example is provided by nickel that is undoubtedly a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, but is a comparatively weak sensitizer in predictive tests. In an attempt to explore other examples of contact allergens where there may exist a discrepancy between prevalence and potency, we describe here analyses conducted with methyl methacrylate (MMA). Results of LLNA studies have been interpreted in the context of historical clinical data on occupational allergic contact dermatitis associated with exposure to MMA.
authors.affiliation: Syngenta Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK1 4TJ, UK. catherine.betts@syngenta.com
authors.forename: Catherine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Betts
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Dearman
authors.forename: Jon R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Heylings
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kimber
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Basketter
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000633:toxicity; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D023441:Local Lymph Node Assay; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000187:drug effects; D020366:Methylmethacrylate / Q000633:toxicity*; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; D020366:Methylmethacrylate