Increased IgE antiovalbumin level in mice exposed to formaldehyde

The effect of formaldehyde exposure on the sensitization of mice to ovalbumin was investigated. Significantly increased IgE antiovalbumin titers were found in mice sensitized intranasally to ovalbumin and exposed for 10 days to 2 mg/m3 of formaldehyde. In contrast, mice not exposed to formaldehyde or exposed once a week produced low levels of this antibody. The exposure of mice, sensitized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin, to formaldehyde did not increase sensitization. It was concluded that formaldehyde facilitates sensitization of mice to ovalbumin by changes that occur in the respiratory tract.