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Local and systemic desensitization induced by repeated epicutaneous hapten application
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Repeated skin exposure to sensitizing agents causes local and systemic unresponsiveness in guinea pigs. This unresponsiveness is hapten-specific and linked to effector cell migration and suppressor cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Contact sensitization is a common immune response.
- Understanding mechanisms of immune tolerance is crucial for managing allergic reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of systemic hyposensitization and local unresponsiveness following repeated skin exposure to contact sensitizers.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these phenomena, including the roles of effector cells and suppressor cells.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were repeatedly exposed to sensitizing agents (dinitrochlorobenzene or 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyloxazolone).
- Systemic reactivity and local responses were assessed.
- Mechanisms involving effector cell sequestration and suppressor cell activity were investigated.
Main Results:
- Frequent skin exposure induced hapten-specific systemic hyposensitization and local unresponsiveness within 8 weeks.
- Systemic hyporesponsiveness was attributed to transient sequestration of hapten-specific effector cells in lymph nodes.
- Local unresponsiveness involved a cellular infiltrate and suggested a role for suppressor cells.
Conclusions:
- Repeated allergen exposure can induce both systemic and local immune unresponsiveness.
- Effector cell sequestration and suppressor cell activity are key mechanisms in developing tolerance.
- Discontinuation of exposure leads to the reversal of systemic hyporesponsiveness and rapid resolution of local unresponsiveness.