Absence of specific IgE antibodies in allergic contact sensitivity to formaldehyde

Immunologic reactions are customarily divided into two broad categories, cell-mediated and antibody-mediated. An interplay between these two pathogenetic principles is indicated by reactions such as cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity, late-phase reaction, and cutaneous lesions indistinguishable from regular allergic contact dermatitis lesions after sensitization with IgE antibodies against certain haptens. In the present study, 23 patients with a history of a positive epicutaneous test to formaldehyde participated. On retest, 15 showed a positive reaction. Eight patients were Phadiatop positive, indicating an atopic diathesis, and eight had a history of or ongoing atopic dermatitis. On RAST test, only two, nonatopic patients had specific IgE antibodies to formaldehyde. In the cellular infiltrates of biopsies from epicutaneous test sites, cells reactive with monoclonal antibodies against IgE were found in positive and negative formalin tests, both in atopics and nonatopics, as well as in control biopsies from nonlesional skin. Double immunofluorescence staining experiments showed that IgE occurred on Langerhans' cells. The proportion of IgE-positive cells correlated to the level of serum IgE, but not to atopy. These cells were also found both in the epidermis and in the dermis in nonatopic patients. ICAM-1 occurred on keratinocytes in all patient groups. This study does not support the hypothesis that specific IgE antibodies are active in the pathogenesis of contact sensitivity to formaldehyde either in atopic or in nonatopic patients.