[Model antigens and their significance for occupational dermatology]

By means of epicutaneous tests we studied the contact hypersensitivity to DNP-amino acids in individuals sensitized to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). We found a high incidence of positive skin responses to DNP-glycine, di-DNP-L-cystine, and DNP-L-alpha-alanine, but only in some cases DNP-beta-alanine induced skin reactivity. The results are discussed both in connection with the influence of varying molecular sizes and chemical structure on the immunological reactivity and the possibility to develop a beta-alanine containing protective ointment against protein-reactive haptens.