[Evaluation of nickel allergy in mice]

This study was performed to establish a convenient mouse model for the evaluation of nickel allergy. For sensitization, 0.2 g of nickel sulfate in petrolatum was applied 4 times every other day to the shaved dorsal skin. Seven days after the first application of the nickel sulfate salt sample, the antigen-specific metal allergy reaction was estimated based on the swelling response of the footpad injected with 20 microliters of nickel sulfate salt in saline. Percutaneously applied nickel powder in petrolatum, as well as the original nickel salt sample, induced a significant nickel allergy reaction. Therefore, it is suggested that this system is applicable for the evaluation of antimetal allergic substances.