[Methodical problems in detecting new allergens in ;animal experiments (author's transl)]

With the help of the Tina-test partial aspects of the predictive testing of potential allergens were examined in animal experiments. The Tina-test is based on the intramuscular, intracutaneous and epicutaneous application of the allergen in question using Freund's adjuvant and sodium laurylsulphate. The test has been acknowledged by the authorities as a standardized method. the following aspects were examined. A prolongation of the exposition times causes an increase of the sensitization rates. Freund's adjuvant should be used in every case, since the percentage of sensitized animals may be clearly increased. Outbred guinea pigs are well suited. the use of inbred animals is not necessary. In cases where more than 30% of the experimental group fall ill during the procedure of sensitization, the results are not reliable. Neither the sex of the animals nor the seasons influence sensitization rates. Per experimental group at least 25 animals should be used. Pilot studies with different quantities of allergens (potassium bichromate: 131 mg: 13.1 mg and 1.31 mg) did not show a clear influence on the results. Similar results we received also with nickel-2-sulphate. The sensitization rate corresponded well with our clinical experience in 19 out of 24 substances. With turpentine, nickel, mercury and a low-molecular phenol resin the number of the sensitized animals was somewhat too low, whereas with tetramethylthiuramdisulfide the percentage was somewhat too high.