Contact sensitivity in mice evaluated by means of ear swelling and a radiometric test

Contact sensitivity to picryl chloride was investigated by means of the ear swelling test and a radiometric test in order to establish optimal experimental conditions for these assays. Contact sensitivity was demonstrated as soon as 2 days after sensitization, with a maximum reaction 3-4 days after sensitization, when a 48 hr test reaction was registered. The test reaction was followed for 72 hr and maximum was arrived at after 24 hr and 48 hr for the ear swelling test and the radiometric test, respectively. Optimal sensitization was reached with a 7% solution of picryl chloride and a maximum test reaction was found with 0.75-1.0% picryl chloride. It is concluded that both assays measure contact sensitivity in quantitative terms and a future replacement of the guinea pig maximization test is discussed.