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Sodium metasilicate hypersensitivity in BALB/c mice.
N A Karrow1, T L Guo, E K Leffel
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
Summary
Sodium metasilicate (SMS) can cause allergic skin reactions in mice, as shown by the mouse ear swelling test. While not detected by the local lymph node assay, SMS increased immune cells and cytokine mRNA, suggesting it is a weak chemical allergen.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Sodium metasilicate (SMS) is widely used in industrial and consumer products.
- Limited data exists on SMS's potential to cause allergic reactions.
- Sodium silicate, a related compound, has been linked to IgE-mediated contact urticaria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of sodium metasilicate (SMS) to induce allergic responses.
- To evaluate SMS's effects following dermal exposure in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the primary irritancy assay (IA), local lymph node assay (LLNA), and mouse ear swelling test (MEST).
- Assessed lymph node subpopulations, cytokine mRNA expression, and serum IgE levels.
- Employed female BALB/c mice for dermal exposure studies.
Main Results:
- SMS induced significant dermal irritation at concentrations of 6% or higher.
- An allergic response was observed in the MEST after sensitization with 4% SMS and challenge with 6% SMS.
- The LLNA did not show lymph node cell proliferation, but increases in cellularity, B cells, and cytokine mRNA were noted in auricular lymph nodes.
- No significant changes in serum IgE levels were detected post-SMS treatment.
Conclusions:
- SMS elicits a chemical hypersensitivity response in mice, evidenced by MEST results.
- The LLNA did not confirm hypersensitivity, but observed immune cell changes support this.
- Findings suggest SMS can be classified as a weak chemical allergen due to observed immune responses.