A. Zemtsov, J. Guccione, G. Cameron
Mar 1, 1994
Citations
0
Influential Citations
3
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
American Journal of Contact Dermatitis
Abstract
Background: Chlorocresol and chloroxylenol are halogenated phenolic compounds that have similar chemical structure and occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis. Perspective patch testing was used to evaluate the antigenic determinant of these compounds at the molecular level. Methods: One individual with strong contact sensitivity to both chlorocresol and chloroxylenol was patch tested with a number of structurally related compounds purchased from a chemical company. Race-, age-, and sex-matched normal volunteers without contact allergies served as a control group. Results: To induce contact allergy, CI atom at the para position of phenol ring can be substituted by Br atom, but not F atom; CI must be at the para position, and movement and substitution of methyl group by a different carbon chain may eliminate contact allergy. Conclusions: Understanding contact dermatitis at the molecular level has practical applications and provides dermatologists with a unique opportunity to understand cell-mediated immunity at the molecular level.