Th2 immune response plays a critical role in the development of nickel-induced allergic contact dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
The precise roles of T helper (Th)1-type and Th2-type cytokine responses in nickel (Ni)-induced allergic contact dermatitis have not yet been clearly defined. We investigated the involvement of Th2 cytokines in Ni-induced contact hypersensitivity reaction using GATA-3 transgenic (Tg) mice.


METHODS
A Ni-titanium (Ti) alloy was implanted under the skin of GATA-3 Tg mice. A Ni solution was then injected 1 month after sensitization. The ear swelling response was measured at several time points after the injection; the cytokine levels in the skin were measured at 48 h after injection, and the serum levels of IgE were measured 1 month after injection. In addition, purified CD4+ splenic cells obtained from the GATA-3 Tg mice sensitized with the Ni-Ti alloy were infused into Rag-2(-/-) mice, and the ear swelling response of these mice after a further challenge with Ni solution was also measured.


RESULTS
Marked ear swelling and elevated serum IgE levels and skin tissue levels of IL-4 were observed in Ni-Ti-sensitized GATA-3 Tg mice. The Rag-2(-/-) mice transfused with the CD4+ splenic cells from the Ni-Ti alloy sensitized GATA-3 Tg mice showed a significantly more pronounced ear swelling response than the control mice.


CONCLUSIONS
We confirmed the participation of Th2-type immune reactions in Ni-induced allergy using GATA-3 Tg mice.
Niiyama
Shiro
S
Department of Dermatology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan.
Tamauchi
Hidekazu
H
Amoh
Yasuyuki
Y
Terashima
Masazumi
M
Matsumura
Yukiko
Y
Kanoh
Maho
M
Habu
Sonoko
S
Komotori
Jun
J
Katsuoka
Kensei
K
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009532:Nickel / Q000633:toxicity*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D014025:Titanium / Q000633:toxicity*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium