Lymphonodal response to sensitization with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in laboratory rats

The authors investigated the lymphonodal response to peripherally administered 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). DNCB is known as a strong irritant binding to membrane proteins of the Langerhans cells of the skin. The conjugate is a potent neoantigen able to induce local tumor-destruction and raise cellular immune defence. White laboratory rats were used for the experiments. Their popliteal lymph nodes were investigated after sensitization with DNCB and i.c. injection of H3-thymidine and Patent Blue Violet at several intervals following the challenge with the hapten DNCB. Changes of weight of lymph nodes further uptake of H3-thymidine by the cells were investigated by autoradiography, while the content of H3-DNA indicating an increased DNA-metabolism due to blastic transformation of the small lymphocytes, was determined quantitatively by a liquid scintillation method. The data obtained speak for the usefulness of DNCB as an immunostimulant, comparable to BCG but of less toxicity.