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A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from methyl aminolevulinate
María Antonia Pastor-Nieto1, Mercedes Olivares, Consuelo Sánchez-Herreros
1Dermatology Department, Guadalajara University Hospital, C/ Donantes de Sangre s/n, Guadalajara, Spain. mapastornieto@gmail.com
Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic, Occupational, Drug
|July 26, 2011
Summary
A healthcare worker developed allergic contact dermatitis from Metvix cream used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). This is the first reported occupational case linked to methyl aminolevulinate in PDT treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes topical agents like Metvix cream for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment.
- Metvix cream contains methyl aminolevulinate and various excipients.
- Allergic reactions to topical treatments can occur in healthcare settings.
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Allergic Reactions
Overview
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Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
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Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.

